This bill amends existing New Hampshire safe haven laws to allow parents to surrender their children using a "safe haven infant safety device" up to 61 days after birth, an increase from the previous 7-day limit. The bill defines a safe haven infant safety device as one that is voluntarily installed by a hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department; located inside these facilities which are staffed 24 hours a day; conspicuous and visible to employees; and equipped with an alarm to notify staff when a child is placed inside.

The bill also includes provisions to protect the anonymity of parents surrendering their children, stating that parents are not required to reveal personal information and are not to be prosecuted based on evidence obtained solely from the surrender. It mandates that hospitals or safe havens take temporary care of a child surrendered in this manner. Additionally, the bill limits the liability of persons or entities acting in accordance with the chapter and makes evidence of a parent's crime or wrongdoing obtained as a result of surrendering a child inadmissible in criminal or civil trials. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 24, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 132-A:1, 132-A:2, 132-A:3, 132-A:4
As Amended by the House: 132-A:1, 132-A:2, 132-A:3
As Amended by the Senate: 132-A:1, 132-A:2, 132-A:3, 132-A:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 132-A:1, 132-A:2, 132-A:3, 132-A:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 132-A:1, 132-A:2, 132-A:3, 132-A:4