Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Corrections intends to consider amending 6VAC15-40, Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups. The current regulations do not prescribe any special considerations for restraint of offenders known to be pregnant while under the control of local jails and lockups. The purpose of this proposed action is to specify the type of restraint devices to be used, how the restraint devices may be applied, the circumstances under which the restraints may be used, and reporting requirements for use of restraints on offenders known to be pregnant.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 53.1-5, 53.1-68, and 53.1-131 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: February 29, 2012.

Agency Contact: Jim Bruce, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, VA 23261-6963, telephone (804) 674-3303 ext: 1130, FAX (804) 674-3017, or email james.bruce@vadoc.virginia.gov.