Bill > SB8

This bill expands West Virginia's safe surrender options for parents with newborns by adding emergency medical service facilities, police departments, 911 call centers, and sheriff's detachments as designated safe surrender sites where parents can anonymously leave a child 30 days old or younger. The bill allows these facilities to install and operate "newborn safety devices," which are specially designed, secure receptacles with dual alarm systems that immediately notify staff when a child is placed inside. These devices must be visually checked twice daily, have an alarm system tested weekly, and trigger a 911 call if no staff respond within 15 minutes of a child being placed in the device. Parents who use these devices remain anonymous and will not be pursued, and the act of surrendering a child through these means is not considered child abuse. Emergency medical service providers who retrieve a child from a safety device are required to take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room and have implied consent for medical treatment. The bill also provides immunity from criminal or civil liability for emergency medical services providers acting in good faith, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The primary goal is to provide safe, anonymous options for parents who cannot care for their newborn, thereby protecting infant welfare and reducing potential harm.

Health and Social Services, Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=8&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill