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Legislation to ban shackling during labor draws broad support at hearing, is tabled after tied committee vote
Summary
Supporters including medical associations, ACLU and advocates said House Bill 475 would codify existing standards banning restraints on pregnant persons in labor; the committee vote on concurrence tied and the bill was tabled.
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard strong, unanimous‑style support from medical, civil‑rights and advocacy groups for House Bill 475, a measure that would restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates in county jails during labor, delivery and immediate postpartum recovery. After debate during executive action the committee did not concur and ultimately tabled the bill.
Representative Eames Reavis (sponsor) said the bill is modeled on statute from other states and aims to make clear that restraints during childbirth are unacceptable except where an established, articulable security risk exists. "I was told a story... where her client was in jail… and her chain was strapped to the bed. That image has never left me," Reavis said, explaining the measure’s…
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