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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the use of restraints on a pregnant woman in the custody |
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of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 501.066(a), Government Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(a) The department may not use restraints to control the |
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movement of a pregnant woman in the custody of the department at any |
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time after the woman's first trimester and until the woman has |
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recovered [during which the woman is in labor or delivery or
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recovering] from delivery, unless the director or director's |
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designee determines that the use of restraints is necessary to: |
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(1) ensure the safety and security of the woman or her |
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infant, department or medical personnel, or any member of the |
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public; or |
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(2) prevent a substantial risk that the woman will |
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attempt escape. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |