The proposed bill amends the Newborn Safe Haven Act by introducing new definitions and requirements for newborn safety devices, which are designed to allow individuals to anonymously surrender newborn infants. Key definitions include "newborn infant," defined as a child ninety days old or younger, and "newborn safety device," which refers to a padded and temperature-controlled device for safe surrender. The bill outlines specific requirements for the installation and operation of these devices at hospitals and fire stations, including continuous staffing, visibility to staff, and the presence of a dual alarm system that alerts emergency services when the device is accessed. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services develop procedures for individuals to provide medical history information, reconsider surrendering a newborn, and undergo paternity testing.

Furthermore, the bill expresses the Legislature's intent to allocate funding for public awareness programs related to the Newborn Safe Haven Act, including the creation of an interactive website and educational materials. It also clarifies that individuals surrendering a newborn under the act will not face criminal prosecution, thereby encouraging safe and anonymous surrender. The original sections of the law are repealed, and the act is set to take effect immediately upon passage due to the declared emergency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-4901, 43-4902, 43-4903