Dignity Legislation Across The USA
PENNSYLVANIA DIGNITY BILL PACKAGE
Eight bills in Pennsylvania would help restore dignity to incarcerated women by providing free access to: necessary hygiene products such as tampons and pads, communication resources for maintaining crucial support systems outside of prison, trauma informed care, mentorship opportunities focused on development, and more.
Women Leading the Charge
Tonie Willis, Pennsylvania Dignity Ambassador
The Bills:
– HB 1011: PCCD Women and Girls Subcommittee
– HB 1012: Healthcare Screenings
– HB 1008: Feminine Hygiene Products
– HB 999: Mentorship Program
– HB 1015: Social Services Enrollment
– HB 1007: Free Phone Calls & Emails
– HB 1009: Alternative Housing for Parenting Women
– HB 1014: Trauma Informed Care
Bill Authors:
Rep. Morgan Cephas, Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Joanna McClinton, Rep. Donna Bullock
Co-Sponsor:
Rep. Tom Murt
These bills would create provisions for:
- safer methods of confinement for pregnant women
- alternative sentencing for pregnant women
- access to basic hygiene products (such as tampons and pads)
- access to vital healthcare screenings
- issuing trauma-informed care training to prison employees and providers
- pathways for mentorship programs for incarcerated individuals in order to promote successful community re-entry upon release
- free communication resources for staying in touch with loved ones (through phone or email)
- prioritizing inner prison employment of formerly incarcerated individuals and those familiar with the struggles of incarcerated women
- providing alternative methods for reporting civil rights violations, abuse, and misconduct
In the News
Co-Sponsoring Organizations
#cut50, American Conservative Union Foundation for Justice, Ardella’s House, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)