H.B. 122: Pregnant and Postpartum Inmate Amendments

About this bill

Signed by the governor on March 26, 2026. This bill addresses issues related to inmates who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery.

• Requires the Department of Corrections (the department) and each county jail to report to the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice: the number of known pregnant inmates in custody; and the number of inmates in custody who are parents to a minor child
• Clarifies that the postpartum recovery period for pregnant inmates is 12 weeks after the day on which the inmate gives birth
• Prohibits the restraining of an inmate during postpartum recovery unless an individualized determination of certain security risks is made that details why the restraints are necessary
• Increases the period of time that the department and each county jail is required to provide access to a social worker to an inmate who is pregnant, or who has recently given birth, from six weeks to 12 weeks, to help the inmate: arrange childcare; establish a reunification plan; and establish a substance abuse treatment plan, if needed
• Clarifies that the department and each county jail is required to provide an inmate in postpartum recovery access to postpartum care for 12 weeks after the inmate gives birth
• Clarifies that health care providers in general may make certain decisions regarding pregnant inmates

Full bill page: steps, fiscal note and sponsors · Chief sponsor Candice B. Pierucci