BABY BOXES/NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICE.

Printer-friendly: Click to view
View NCGA Bill Details(link is external)2025-2026 Session
House Bill 139 (Public) Filed Monday, February 17, 2025
AN ACT TO ALLOW INFANTS TO BE SAFELY SURRENDERED AT CERTAIN FACILITIES IN A NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICE.
Intro. by Balkcom, Pickett, Potts, Ward.

Status: Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Health, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action) (Feb 18 2025)
H 139

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Feb 17 2025 - View Summary

    Amends GS 7B-521 to also allow infants to be surrendered to a newborn safety device in addition to being directly delivered to the listed categories of qualified individuals. Requires the qualified individuals to take temporary custody of an infant, without a court order, if the infant's parent leaves the infant, without expressing an intent to return for the infant, in a newborn safety device. Requires the device to have an adequate dual alarm system connected to the appropriate facility; requires the facility to test the alarm system monthly. Allows a newborn safety device to be installed at any of the following locations if the location is staffed continuously 24 hours per day by qualified individuals: (1) an emergency department attached to a hospital licensed under GS Chapter 131E that provides emergency care to patients; (2) an emergency facility that provides emergency services; or (3) a social services office or local department of social services. Effective October 1, 2025.