The 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. New definitions are introduced, including "infant safety device," which refers to a medical device used to care for newborns at safe haven sites. The bill also establishes requirements for the installation and operation of these devices, mandates the Children, Youth and Families Department to create rules for implementation, and outlines the responsibilities of safe haven sites in accepting and caring for relinquished infants.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of information related to relinquished infants, imposing civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure. It grants limited immunity to safe haven sites and their staff from liability when accepting or treating infants, while also detailing the procedures for medical consent and the responsibilities of the department in cases involving Indian children. The legislation aims to enhance the safety and support for infants and their families while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Statutes affected: introduced version: 24-22-2, 24-22-3, 24-22-4, 24-22-5, 24-22-8