This bill amends the Probate Code of 1939 to improve the legal framework for the safe delivery of newborns. It introduces a "newborn safety device" that allows parents to anonymously surrender their newborns to emergency service providers, with specific requirements for these devices, including 24/7 accessibility, automatic locking after use, and a controlled environment for the newborn's care. Emergency service providers are required to adopt operational policies for these devices and inform the Department of Health and Human Services about their locations. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of emergency service providers and hospitals regarding surrendered newborns, mandating examinations for signs of abuse or neglect and establishing a process for child placing agencies to take custody.

Additionally, the bill outlines a clear process for surrendering parents to petition for custody within 28 days of surrender, specifying where these petitions must be filed. Courts are required to conduct hearings to determine paternity or maternity within seven days of a custody petition being filed, and if a parent does not file within the specified timeframe, they are presumed to have relinquished their parental rights. The bill also mandates the establishment of a safe delivery program, including a 24-hour hotline for information on prenatal care and adoption options, as well as the publication of a pamphlet to inform the public about the program. These amendments aim to streamline custody petitions and enhance support for parents considering surrendering their newborns.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 712.1