Bill Summary for H 139 (2025-2026)

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Summary date: 

Feb 17 2025

Bill Information:

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.

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Bill 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.