The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding safe haven providers, specifically allowing a parent or their agent to surrender a newborn infant at a hospital immediately after birth without the requirement to leave and return to the hospital. This change is reflected in the insertion of new language that specifies that a parent is not required to be discharged from the hospital before surrendering the infant. Additionally, the bill mandates that if a parent notifies hospital staff of their intent to surrender the infant, the hospital must take custody of the newborn.

Furthermore, the bill modifies reporting requirements for the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to include the number of newborn infants surrendered at safe haven providers. It also makes several conforming changes to existing language, including the deletion of outdated provisions and the insertion of new definitions and responsibilities for safe haven providers. Overall, these updates aim to streamline the surrender process and enhance the support for parents choosing to utilize safe haven laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-528, 13-3623.01, 8-126, 36-405, 36-3201
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-528, 13-3623.01, 8-126, 36-405, 36-3201