Committee adopts amendments to maternal-overdose and shackling bill, reports it with changes

Senate Bill 470 would connect services for pregnant incarcerated people to the state’s Maternal Overdose Mortality Program and address shackling, testing and care during and after delivery.

Senator Mizell described an audit that prompted the measure and explained amendments adopted in committee to clarify the period during which shackles should be removed and to ensure pregnancy testing is offered rather than mandatory. The sponsor said the changes responded to concerns raised by the DA's Association and medical personnel.

Michelle Ehrenberg, executive director of LIFT Louisiana, told senators the bill takes the Legislative Auditor's report seriously and urged protections for pregnancy care in both corrections and jail settings. She supported the amendment that removed mandatory testing.

The committee adopted amendment set 2060 and reported the bill with amendments. Senators signaled plans to continue work on rules and implementation details.