The bill H. 3113 aims to amend Section 63-7-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to infant safe havens. The proposed changes include the introduction of "newborn safety devices" as an option for safely leaving infants, alongside existing safe haven facilities such as hospitals and fire stations. The bill outlines the responsibilities of safe havens, including the requirement to provide information about the legal implications of leaving an infant, as well as ensuring confidentiality for any identifying information disclosed by the person leaving the infant. Additionally, it mandates that safe havens must offer a form to collect background and medical history information about the infant, which must be included in every newborn safety device.

Furthermore, the bill establishes legal protections for individuals who leave infants at safe havens or in newborn safety devices, ensuring they cannot be prosecuted for abandonment if certain conditions are met. It also provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for safe havens and healthcare professionals acting in accordance with the law. The Department of Social Services is tasked with notifying law enforcement upon receiving an infant and must publish notices regarding the circumstances of the infant's abandonment. The bill emphasizes the importance of public awareness regarding these provisions and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on the infants who come into the department's custody under this section.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 63-7-40
Latest Version: 63-7-40