Bill > SB274

This bill introduces significant changes to sentencing and medical services for incarcerated women, particularly those who are primary caretakers or pregnant. The first key provision establishes alternative sentencing for primary caretakers of dependent children convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing courts to impose community-based rehabilitation sentences instead of traditional imprisonment. These alternative sentences focus on supporting parent-child unity and require participation in various support programs such as drug treatment, counseling, job training, and parenting classes. The bill also expands the contents of presentence reports to specifically include information about whether a defendant is pregnant or a primary caretaker. Additionally, the bill creates the Maternity Medical Services Program for eligible inmates (women convicted of nonviolent offenses who are pregnant or have recently given birth), which provides medical services for up to eight months during pregnancy and at least 12 months postpartum. This program aims to support mother-child bonding by placing eligible inmates in community corrections facilities with their children, offering comprehensive programming including healthcare, parenting skills, vocational training, and mental health services. The program ensures that inmates cannot be denied medical services due to inability to pay and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly about its implementation and potential improvements.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=274