Bill > AB568

This bill aims to protect pregnant inmates and wards by ensuring they are not subjected to unnecessary or overly restrictive restraints. It clarifies that pregnant individuals in correctional facilities, including juvenile facilities, should only be restrained if absolutely necessary for the safety of themselves, staff, or the public, and in such cases, the least restrictive method, such as front wrist restraints, must be used and only for as long as the threat persists. The bill also mandates that correctional facilities establish policies for the proper use of restraints on pregnant inmates and that the Corrections Standards Authority (which is later referred to as the Board of State and Community Corrections) sets minimum standards for their treatment, including access to nutritious food, prenatal and postpartum care, and childbirth education. These provisions apply to pregnant inmates during transport, medical appointments, court appearances, and even during labor and recovery after childbirth, with specific protections for wards in juvenile facilities and those committed to the Division of Juvenile Facilities.