Bill > AB2530

This bill establishes new protections for pregnant inmates and those recovering from childbirth within correctional facilities. It adds a new section to the Penal Code (Section 3407) that prohibits the use of leg irons, waist chains, or handcuffs behind the body on pregnant inmates or those in postpartum recovery, and restricts wrist or ankle restraints during labor, delivery, or recovery unless deemed absolutely necessary for safety. The bill also amends existing law (Section 6030 of the Penal Code) to require the Board of State and Community Corrections to establish minimum standards for local correctional facilities, including specific provisions for pregnant inmates such as access to nutritious diets, prenatal and postpartum care, childbirth education, and dental cleanings. Furthermore, it amends sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code (Sections 222 and 1774) to ensure that female wards in juvenile facilities have the right to choose their own physician for pregnancy determination and care, and that they are not restrained during pregnancy or postpartum recovery except as provided by the new Penal Code section. The bill also repeals an existing section of the Penal Code (Section 5007.7) that is no longer needed due to these changes.