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 the Children, Youth and Families Department in managing the relinquished infants and ensuring compliance with the law.

Additionally, the bill establishes confidentiality protections for information related to relinquished infants, imposing civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure of such information. It also provides limited immunity for safe haven sites and their staff from liability when accepting or treating infants, as long as they comply with the act's provisions. The department is tasked with developing rules to implement these changes, ensuring that the safety and welfare of relinquished infants are prioritized while also protecting the rights of parents.

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