HB36 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Prisoners, adopting federal procedures for use of restraints on pregnant women

Summary

HB36 would adopt federal standards for restraints on pregnant detainees and extend them to state and local arrest, jail, and transport settings.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, a pregnant detainee in custody would not be restrained or placed in solitary confinement from the moment law enforcement becomes aware of the pregnancy until postpartum recovery. Restraints would only be allowed in narrowly defined cases, such as an immediate flight risk or an immediate, serious threat that cannot be prevented by other means, and only the least restrictive restraints would be used. The bill requires written reporting within 30 days after any restraint, annual compliance reports by the commissioner, and training guidelines for law enforcement agencies; it also extends these rules to constables, sheriffs, and municipal officers and creates a process to report violations.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant detainees or prisoners: protected from most restraints and solitary confinement during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, with limited exceptions.
• Law enforcement agencies and personnel (state, county, and municipal): must follow the new guidelines, receive training, document restraint uses, and participate in oversight and reporting processes.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits restraining or placing a pregnant detainee in solitary confinement from the time pregnancy is known until postpartum recovery, with limited exceptions for flight risk or immediate harm.
• If restraints are used, they must be the least restrictive necessary; certain restraints (ankle/waist restraints, hands behind the back, four-point restraints, restraining two detainees, and solitary confinement) are prohibited.
• Requires a written report within 30 days after restraint use detailing facts, reasons, type and duration of restraints, and observed effects; health care professionals can request removal of restraints.
• Requires annual compliance reporting to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees; establishes training guidelines and a process to report violations; authorizes rulemaking to implement provisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Prisons and Prisoners