Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act would target the treatment and health care of pregnant and postpartum people in custody. It would financially penalize states that receive Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant funding but lack state laws restricting the shackling of pregnant prisoners comparable to protections in existing federal law, cutting their grant allocation by 25% and redistributing that money to compliant states. It also directs the Bureau of Prisons to establish five-year model programs at no fewer than six federal facilities addressing prenatal and postpartum care, including nutrition, staff training, mental health and trauma counseling, parenting education, newborn bonding opportunities, reentry assistance, and diversion programs as alternatives to incarceration. A parallel five-year grant program would let the Department of Justice fund similar programs in state and local prisons and jails.
The bill primarily affects incarcerated pregnant and postpartum individuals, correctional facilities and staff, and state and local governments that rely on Byrne grant funding. It also involves the Attorney General, Bureau of Prisons, and Bureau of Justice Assistance in implementation, and requires oversight contracts, periodic reporting, and a Government Accountability Office study on maternal and infant health outcomes and racial disparities among incarcerated people.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Ayanna Pressley and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further congressional action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
21 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9817 do?
- The Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act would target the treatment and health care of pregnant and postpartum people in custody. It would financially penalize states that receive Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant funding but lack state laws restricting the shackling of pregnant prisoners comparable to protections in existing federal law, cutting their grant allocation by 25% and redistributing that money to compliant states. It also directs the Bureau of Prisons to establish five-year model programs at no fewer than six federal facilities addressing prenatal and postpartum care, including nutrition, staff training, mental health and trauma counseling, parenting education, newborn bonding opportunities, reentry assistance, and diversion programs as alternatives to incarceration. A parallel five-year grant program would let the Department of Justice fund similar programs in state and local prisons and jails. The bill primarily affects incarcerated pregnant and postpartum individuals, correctional facilities and staff, and state and local governments that rely on Byrne grant funding. It also involves the Attorney General, Bureau of Prisons, and Bureau of Justice Assistance in implementation, and requires oversight contracts, periodic reporting, and a Government Accountability Office study on maternal and infant health outcomes and racial disparities among incarcerated people. The bill was introduced in the House on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Ayanna Pressley and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further congressional action.
- Has H.R. 9817 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9817. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9817?
- H.R. 9817 was sponsored by Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7] (D-MA), with 43 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9817?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (21 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
National Coordination Center and Commercial Cyber Capabilities Codification Act
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
More bills from Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Fossil Free Finance Act of 2026
Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act of 2026
Inclusive Democracy Act of 2026
MOMMIES Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.