Bill > LB214

This bill amends the Newborn Safe Haven Act to provide detailed guidelines for newborn safety devices, which are defined as padded and temperature-controlled locations where individuals can anonymously surrender newborn infants (defined as children 90 days old or younger). The bill requires these devices to be located at hospitals or fire stations that are continuously staffed, with specific safety features including a dual alarm system that immediately contacts 911 and dispatches emergency medical personnel when the device is opened or movement is detected inside. The devices must be visually inspected daily and include informational literature. The bill mandates that location staff post multilingual signage with clear instructions on using the device, and participation is voluntary, with funding potentially coming from public or private sources. The Department of Health and Human Services is required to develop procedures for anonymously providing medical history, reconsidering the surrender, and conducting paternity testing. The Legislature intends to appropriate $15,000 in grants for device installation, and the public information program will now explicitly include raising awareness about these newborn safety devices. Importantly, the bill maintains the existing protection that prevents prosecution of individuals who surrender infants through this process, ensuring that parents can safely and legally relinquish newborns without fear of criminal charges.

Health and Social Services

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58306