Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Maternal Health Corrections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel approves bill to strengthen care for pregnant incarcerated women, including a ban on shackling during delivery
Summary
SB 470 would require pregnancy testing, offer enrollment in Project Mom and prohibit shackling during delivery; sheriffs and medical providers testified in support, while members sought clarity on scope and implementation.
Lawmakers on the Criminal Justice Committee voted to report SB 470, a bill intended to improve care for pregnant women in local custody and curb practices criticized in a legislative-auditor report.
Sen. Mizell presented the measure, which would offer pregnancy testing when women enter custody, provide referral and drug‑treatment options (including Project Mom), allow consideration for bond in some cases, and prohibit restraints during delivery. Sponsors said the approach would reduce public-health costs and improve birth outcomes. “It’s a win‑win‑win,” the senator said, describing Project Mom’s goals of treating addiction and producing healthier births.
Kevin Cobb of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said many local jails already take steps to protect pregnant people and that the bill aligns with training and improvements prompted by the auditor’s report. Cobb and other witnesses urged careful, collaborative implementation and noted operational variability across local facilities.
Committee members pressed about the bill’s scope — whether it applies to women who become pregnant while incarcerated, the definition and length of the postpartum period, and whether the measure would be interpreted to authorize suspension of sentence or probation; staff clarified the bill does not authorize suspension of sentence beyond existing law. Vice Chair LaFleur moved to report the bill favorably, and the committee did so without objection.
SB 470 will go to the full chamber for further consideration.
