An Act to ensure compliance with the anti-shackling law for pregnant incarcerated women
This bill amends Massachusetts law to strengthen protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women against the use of physical restraints. It clarifies that "postpartum recovery" lasts for at least six weeks or longer if a doctor decides, and expands the definition of medical professionals who can authorize restraints to include emergency medical personnel. The legislation requires correctional facility staff to undergo annual training on these rules and mandates that any use of restraints on these women be reported within 48 hours with specific details. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for the state to publish an annual report detailing compliance with these restraint restrictions.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
May 2024
House Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action May 20, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
2
May 20, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Apr 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 4, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Becca Rausch
DDemocratic
Co
Kay Khan
DDemocratic
Co
Lindsay Sabadosa
DDemocratic
Co
Lydia Edwards
DDemocratic
Co
Mike Barrett
DDemocratic
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