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HB 59

Pregnant Women in Custody

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Campbell and 2 co-sponsors

HB 59 establishes standardized medical care and custody protocols for pregnant women in Florida jails and prisons, affecting facility procedures and inmate health management.

Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
#(vetoed)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 59

Legislative bill overview

HB 59 establishes protocols and requirements for the treatment of pregnant women in custody within Florida's criminal justice system. The bill addresses detention, medical care, and childbirth procedures for incarcerated pregnant individuals. It aims to standardize practices across county jails and state facilities regarding pregnancy management and postpartum care.

Why is this important

Pregnant women in custody face unique health vulnerabilities and humanitarian concerns. Without explicit statutory requirements, practices vary widely across facilities, potentially affecting maternal and fetal health outcomes. This legislation establishes baseline standards that could impact how counties allocate resources and train personnel in managing pregnancies within correctional settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Compliance may require facility upgrades, specialized medical staffing, and additional training programs, raising questions about funding responsibility between state and county systems
  • Restraint policies: Regulations limiting shackling or restraint use during labor/delivery balance security concerns with medical best practices and raise enforcement questions
  • Scope of medical authority: Clarity needed on decision-making authority between correctional officials and medical providers regarding pregnancy care and delivery location

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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