March 28, 2024

Iowa lawmakers won’t act on inmate restraint bill

DES MOINES (AP) — A bill that would limit the use of restraints on pregnant inmates has been tabled in the Iowa state House.

Rep. Linda Miller, who heads the House human resources committee, said Wednesday that she has put the bill aside because the state Department of Corrections and law enforcement officials have agreed to follow strict guidelines for when to use force on pregnant inmates.

The updated policy would prohibit inmates who have been pregnant for at least 22 weeks from being restrained unless they pose an immediate risk.