x
Breaking News
More () »

Memphis lawmaker's bill limiting shackles on pregnant inmates passes TN Senate

The Republican-led state Senate passed the legislation by Democratic Sen. Raumesh Akbari without opposition Thursday.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee lawmakers are advancing a bill strictly limiting the shackling of pregnant inmates.

The Republican-led state Senate passed the legislation by Democratic Sen. Raumesh Akbari without opposition Thursday.

The bill would generally prohibit restraints of a pregnant inmate. More specifically, a pregnant inmate's ankles, legs or waist couldn't be shackled during labor or delivery. It also would not allow a pregnant inmate to be shackled behind the back or to be attached to another inmate.

Some exceptions allowing restraints on a pregnant inmate would be when the inmate is moved within or outside of a facility, if the inmate is an immediate flight risk, if the inmate poses a self-threat or threat to the fetus or others, or if the classification level of the inmate requires restraints.

In those cases, the bill says only the least restrictive restraints necessary should be used.

The legislation still needs a vote from the House.

RELATED: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signs bill expanding inmates' work release

RELATED: Judge won't halt Tennessee execution over intellectual disability

RELATED: Memphis Mayor, top law enforcement leaders join Tennessee House Speaker in support of 'Truth In Sentencing' law

RELATED: How the Mississippi Center for Re-Entry offers second chances to overcome past mistakes

RELATED: 'Another reason to think twice': Tennessee bill makes drunk drivers pay child support if parents killed

RELATED: Tennessee anti-LGBTQ marriage bill dead for annual session

RELATED: Oklahoma governor signs bill to make abortion illegal

RELATED: Opinion | For once, I agree with McNally. The legislature has done enough on guns | Otis Sanford

Before You Leave, Check This Out