Montgomery, Alabama — The Alabama House Judiciary Committee approved legislation Wednesday that would allow incarcerated pregnant women to remain on supervised probation for up to one year after giving birth.
House Bill 54, sponsored by Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D-Birmingham), creates a statewide framework to delay incarceration for pregnant and postpartum women while maintaining court supervision. Under the substitute version adopted by the committee, women must be evaluated for pregnancy within three days of intake unless they decline. Judges could place pregnant or newly postpartum women on supervised release unless there is documented evidence they pose a public safety risk.
Women granted probation would receive sentence credit for time served under supervision. The bill also increases penalties for failing to surrender after probation ends, elevating the offense to a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Supporters argue the measure supports infant bonding and reduces healthcare costs within correctional facilities. Some Republicans raised concerns that a year-long probation period may be excessive or could create unintended incentives.
The bill now moves forward for further consideration in the Alabama House.
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