SB 24-083

Senate Bill 24-083, which has been signed into law, allows fire stations, hospitals, and community clinic emergency centers to install special boxes called newborn safety devices. These devices are placed in visible spots for parents who want to anonymously give up their baby, provided the child is less than three days old. The facilities must maintain these devices and ensure they work properly, including having a dual alarm system that alerts staff when a baby is left inside. This law aims to provide a safe option for new parents who cannot keep their newborns but do not want to give them up through traditional means.

Official Summary

The bill authorizes a fire station, hospital, or community clinic emergency center (authorized facility) to install a newborn safety device on its premises for parents who voluntarily relinquish their child who is 72 hours old or younger. A newborn safety device must be installed in a conspicuous location at the authorized facility and be equipped with a dual alarm system. An authorized facility that installs a newborn safety device is responsible for the cost of the installation and maintenance, shall ensure the dual alarm system is functioning, and shall make information available to the relinquishing parent. The bill makes conforming amendments. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Votes