Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 650	House Author:  White et al.
Effective:  9-1-19	Senate Sponsor:  Whitmire

            House Bill 650 amends the Government Code to set out certain requirements for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) with regard to female inmates and pregnant inmates. Among other provisions, the bill requires TDCJ to conduct a trauma history screening of each female inmate during the diagnostic process and refer the inmate as needed to the appropriate medical or mental health care professional for treatment. The bill requires TDCJ to provide training relating to medical and mental health care issues applicable to pregnant inmates to certain TDCJ correctional officers and employees and sets out certain educational programming, nutrition, postpartum recovery, and housing requirements regarding pregnant inmates. The bill prohibits certain invasive searches of a pregnant inmate. The bill prohibits the placement of restraints around the ankles, legs, or waist of a pregnant woman in TDCJ custody at any time after the pregnancy has been confirmed by a medical professional but sets out the limited circumstances under which restraints may be used. The bill requires TDCJ to conduct a study of the effect of TDCJ visitation policies on the relationships between inmates or defendants and their children and sets out related reporting requirements.