Anti-shackling bill moves forward in state House

Legislation that would create uniform and humane rules for the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women moved through one of its committee stops in the state House today.

State Rep. Betty Reed, D-Tampa, introduced the bill in order to set standards in county and city jails to protect the health of pregnant women who are incarcerated. Advocates for women’s health have said the law would fill a present gap in jail policies in Florida.

Reed said today that the bill would protect “mothers and their babies.” Sheila Hopkins, on behalf of the Florida Catholic Conference, spoke in support of the bill.

The Senate version of the bill has already passed.