This bill amends existing laws regarding the surrender of infants in Alaska, specifically focusing on the conditions under which a parent can safely surrender an infant without facing legal repercussions. The amendments clarify that a parent can surrender an infant to a person they believe will care for the child, including peace officers, health professionals, or designated emergency service personnel. Additionally, the bill introduces the concept of an "infant safety device," which must meet specific criteria, such as being climate-controlled and equipped with a system to alert emergency services when opened. The legal duty of the parent to support the infant is extinguished upon safe surrender, provided there is no evidence of prior physical injury to the infant.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of individuals or facilities receiving surrendered infants, including the requirement to notify the relevant department immediately. It also establishes that designated facilities are not liable for civil damages if they fail to fulfill certain duties related to the surrender process. The bill includes provisions for training emergency service providers and defines "designated facility" in relation to the infant safety device. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0064A, AM HB 64, introduced 01/24/2025: 47.10.013, 11.81.500, 25.20.030, 47.10.120, 47.32.900