The bill amends section 50-25.1-15 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the abandonment of infants in newborn safety devices. Key changes include the definition of "abandoned infant" to include those left in a newborn safety device if they are less than sixty days old, and the introduction of specific criteria for what constitutes a "newborn safety device." These devices must be part of an approved location, staffed 24/7, temperature-controlled, equipped with an alarm system, and easily visible to employees. Additionally, the bill clarifies that parents or their agents can leave infants in these devices without facing prosecution for abandonment.

The bill also stipulates that approved locations are not required to possess a newborn safety device but must accept infants left under this section. It emphasizes confidentiality regarding the identity of the parent or agent when an infant is left in a newborn safety device, while also allowing for voluntary information sharing. Furthermore, the approved location is granted immunity from criminal or civil liability for accepting abandoned infants. The bill mandates that a public awareness campaign be developed to inform the public and relevant agencies about the provisions of this law.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 50-25.1-15
Adopted by the House Human Services Committee: 50-25.1-15
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-25.1-15
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 50-25.1-15
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 50-25.1-15
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 50-25.1-15
Enrollment: 50-25.1-15