Assembly Bill 237 proposes to amend the safe haven law in Wisconsin by extending the age limit for infants eligible for custody relinquishment from 72 hours to 30 days. Under the current law, a newborn infant can be taken into custody by law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, or hospital staff if the parent relinquishes custody without intent to return or leaves the child in a designated safety device. The bill maintains the immunity from civil or criminal liability for parents and individuals assisting in the relinquishment process.

The proposed changes involve specific amendments to sections of the statutes, including the replacement of "72 hours" with "30 days" in multiple provisions related to the safe haven law. This adjustment aims to provide parents with a longer timeframe to safely relinquish custody of their infants, thereby potentially reducing the number of abandoned infants and ensuring their safety.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 48.195(1m)(a)(intro.), 48.195, 48.355(2d)(b)5, 48.355, 48.415(1m), 48.415