Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act

12/15/2023, 3:58 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3344

The Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 3344, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the unique challenges faced by incarcerated mothers in the criminal justice system.

The bill aims to improve conditions for pregnant and postpartum women who are incarcerated by providing access to necessary medical care, nutrition, and mental health services. It also seeks to ensure that these women are able to maintain contact with their children while in prison, through visitation rights and other means of communication.

Additionally, the Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act includes provisions to support reentry programs for mothers who are released from prison, in order to help them successfully reintegrate into society and reunite with their families. This may include job training, housing assistance, and other support services. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to promote the well-being of incarcerated mothers and their children, and to address the specific needs of this vulnerable population within the criminal justice system. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is a necessary step towards promoting justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Congressional Summary of HR 3344

Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act

This bill establishes new requirements related to grants, programs, and reports to improve the treatment and care of pregnant and postpartum women who are incarcerated.

Specifically, the bill requires the following:

  • states must restrict the use of restraints on pregnant women in prison in order to receive full funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program;
  • the Bureau of Prisons must establish programs to optimize maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women in federal prisons;
  • the Bureau of Justice Assistance must award state grants for programs to support pregnant and postpartum women in state and local prisons and jails; and
  • the Government Accountability Office must report on adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among incarcerated individuals and infants born to such individuals, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities.

Current Status of Bill HR 3344

Bill HR 3344 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 15, 2023. Bill HR 3344 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 15, 2023.  Bill HR 3344's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of May 15, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3344

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3344

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement
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