The proposed bill amends the Safe Haven for Infants Act to allow parents or their designees to relinquish infants safely at designated sites, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire stations, without facing criminal prosecution for abandonment or abuse, provided certain conditions are met. Key provisions include the introduction of "infant safety devices," which are medical devices installed at safe haven sites to facilitate the safe relinquishment of infants. The bill outlines requirements for the installation, operation, and monitoring of these devices, as well as the responsibilities of safe haven sites and the Children, Youth and Families Department in handling relinquished infants.

Additionally, the bill establishes confidentiality protections for information related to relinquished infants, imposing civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure. It also clarifies that safe haven sites and their staff are granted immunity from liability when accepting or treating infants, as long as they comply with the act's provisions. The bill mandates the department to create rules for the implementation of these changes, ensuring that the safety and welfare of relinquished infants are prioritized while providing legal protections for parents seeking to utilize the Safe Haven for Infants Act.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-22-2, 24-22-3, 24-22-4, 24-22-5, 24-22-8