House Bill 1947, also known as the "Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act" or "Trixtian's Law," aims to address the needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals within the criminal justice system in Tennessee. The bill introduces several key provisions, including the inadmissibility of information related to controlled substances obtained through pregnancy tests or medical care as evidence in criminal proceedings. It also emphasizes the importance of community-based alternatives for pregnant and postpartum individuals, promoting maternal-infant health and reducing recidivism. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting on various perinatal outcomes among incarcerated women and establishes guidelines for the expeditious transfer of pregnant individuals to state custody.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to ensure access to pregnancy testing within 72 hours of a request and protects the confidentiality of medical information related to pregnancy. It also provides immunity from civil liability for correctional institutions based on pregnancy outcomes and outlines the responsibilities of healthcare facilities and pharmacies in providing medical records. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with certain provisions becoming effective immediately for rule promulgation.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 41-21-204(c)(2), 41-21-204, 68-3-608(a)(1), 68-3-608