A bill that would create uniform and humane rules for the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women in Florida has been moving along quickly through the many committees it was referred to this session. Yesterday, the bill passed unanimously in a rule-making committee in the Florida House.

The bill, which almost passed last session, was introduced by state Rep. Betty Reed, D-Tampa. It would 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.

The bill has already passed in the state Senate; it still needs to go through a House justice appropriations committee and a final vote.