Sec. 361.082. RESTRAINT OF PREGNANT INMATE OR DEFENDANT


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  • (a) A municipal or county jail may not use restraints to control the movement of a pregnant woman in the custody of the jail at any time during which the woman is in labor or delivery or recovering from delivery, unless the sheriff or another person with supervisory authority over the jail determines that the use of restraints is necessary to:

    (1) ensure the safety and security of the woman or her infant, jail or medical personnel, or any member of the public; or

    (2) prevent a substantial risk that the woman will attempt escape.

    (b) If a determination to use restraints is made under Subsection (a), the type of restraint used and the manner in which the restraint is used must be the least restrictive available under the circumstances to ensure safety and security or to prevent escape.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 , Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.