The bill amends existing laws regarding the surrender of infants in Alaska, specifically addressing the conditions under which a parent can safely abandon an infant without facing legal repercussions. It clarifies that a parent can surrender an infant to a person they believe will care for the child, including peace officers, health care providers, or designated facility employees, or place the infant in an infant safety device located in specific facilities. The amendments also specify that the parent’s legal duty to support the infant is extinguished if the surrender is done safely and without intent to return.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of individuals and designated facilities receiving surrendered infants, including the requirement to notify the relevant department and provide information to the parent about relinquishing parental rights. It introduces new standards for infant safety devices, including their location, climate control, signage, and monitoring systems. The bill also allows for training of emergency service providers on the surrender process and mandates that if an abandoned infant is identified as an Indian child, the relevant tribe must be contacted. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0009A, AM SB 9, introduced 01/10/2025: 47.10.013, 11.81.500, 25.20.030, 47.10.120, 47.32.900
SB0009B, AM CSSB 9(HSS), introduced 03/14/2025: 47.10.013, 11.81.500, 25.20.030, 47.10.120, 47.32.900, 47.07.900, 17.30.200
SB0009C, AM CSSB 9(JUD), introduced 05/13/2025: 47.10.013, 11.81.500, 25.20.030, 47.10.120, 47.32.900, 47.07.900, 17.30.200