The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 6549, seeks to amend chapter 368v of the general statutes to authorize hospitals to install a climate-controlled device on the exterior wall of their emergency departments. This device would include a bassinet for infants, an exterior door that automatically locks upon closure, and an alarm system to alert hospital staff when the device is used. The intent of this legislation is to provide a safe and legal option for parents in crisis to voluntarily surrender their infants, thereby preventing infant abandonment.
The bill introduces new legal language that allows for the installation of these devices in hospitals, emphasizing the importance of creating a secure environment for both infants and parents. There are no deletions from current law mentioned in the text, indicating that this bill is an addition to existing statutes rather than a modification of existing provisions. The overall goal is to enhance public health and safety by offering a responsible alternative for parents facing difficult circumstances.