Washington Legislature Oks Limits on Shackling Inmates

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- State lawmakers have passed a bill that restricts the use of shackles on pregnant inmates.
The bill bans the use of all restraints on inmates who are in labor or post-delivery recovery. It also limits restraints on pregnant inmates who are being transported to medical care or court proceedings while in the third trimester of pregnancy.
The measure was proposed after a former inmate sued the state last year, saying her constitutional rights were violated when she was shackled while in labor.
The measure was approved 95-1 by the House on Saturday and now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire for approval.
The bill is House Bill 2747.
On the Net: Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov