Assembly Bill 237 proposes to amend the safe haven law in Wisconsin by extending the age limit for infants eligible for 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 are reflected in several sections of the statutes, specifically amending sections 48.195, 48.355, and 48.415. The amendments replace the term "72 hours" with "30 days" in relation to the age of the child under the safe haven law, thereby broadening the scope of the law to provide more options for parents seeking to relinquish custody of their infants.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: 48.195(1m)(a)(intro.), 48.195, 48.355(2d)(b)5, 48.355, 48.415(1m), 48.415