HB 2235

Abstract

Local and regional correctional facilities; treatment of prisoners known to be pregnant. Prohibits the use of restraints, defined in the bill, on any prisoner of a local or regional correctional facility who is (i) known to be pregnant or (ii) in postpartum recovery unless a deputy sheriff or jail officer makes an individualized determination that (a) the prisoner will harm herself, the fetus, the newborn child, or any other person; (b) the prisoner poses a flight risk; or (c) the totality of the circumstances creates a serious security risk. Under current law, such prohibition applies only to state correctional facilities. The bill also requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to include in the compulsory minimum entry-level training standards training regarding pregnant prisoners for deputy sheriffs and jail officers who are employees of local or regional correctional facilities who may have contact with pregnant prisoners.

An Act to amend and reenact § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 53.1 an article numbered 7.1, consisting of sections numbered 53.1-133.06 through 53.1-133.09, relating to local and regional correctional facilities; treatment of prisoners known to be pregnant.