Texas sheriffs could soon have to produce detailed reports on how they treat pregnant inmates under a bipartisan bill that has won preliminary House approval.
Austin Democratic Rep. Celia Israel faced some hazing -- a tradition when first-year lawmakers propose their first bill. But ultimately, her colleagues voted Wednesday to advance her plan, which now needs only a final, procedural vote to clear the House.
It requires sheriffs to report to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards by Sept. 1, 2016, on pregnant inmates' work assignments, diets and health care. The reports would also state how many pregnant inmates experience miscarriages.
At any given time, Israel said, about 400 pregnant women are incarcerated in county jails. She added that with such a special population, "more information can only be good."
