H 2404 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to the postpartum treatment of women in correctional facilities

This bill amends Massachusetts law to improve care for pregnant women in correctional facilities by setting specific time limits for postpartum hospital stays. It requires that a woman remain in the hospital only until her doctor confirms she is safe to return to the facility and a pediatrician verifies that the baby has had at least 72 hours with the mother for health stability. The change directly affects incarcerated mothers and their newborns by ensuring they do not leave the hospital prematurely. This provision aims to balance medical safety with the needs of mother and infant during the early post-delivery period.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
May 2024
Senate Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Sep 12, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
3
Committee
2
May 22, 2024
Committee
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Apr 25, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 25, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
lower
0 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.