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NC S91

NC S91
Newborn Safety Devices


summary

Introduced
02/12/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO ALLOW NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICE INSTALLATION IN QUALIFIED ESTABLISHMENTS.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a legal framework for newborn safety devices in North Carolina, allowing qualified establishments like emergency departments, law enforcement agencies, and fire stations staffed 24 hours a day to install specially designed devices for safely surrendering infants. The devices must have a temperature-controlled interior, proper ventilation, and be located in a conspicuous area, with establishments required to cover installation costs, install a dual alarm system, test the system weekly, inspect the device twice daily, and develop an emergency medical care plan. The bill expands existing law to explicitly include infants placed in these newborn safety devices as part of the legal infant surrender process, and maintains the existing legal immunity for parents who safely surrender their infants in good faith. The Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Social Services will be responsible for annual inspections of these devices, including an initial inspection before the device becomes operational. The legislation aims to provide a safe, legal alternative for parents who cannot care for their newborns, while ensuring the infant's immediate safety and medical needs are addressed. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Re-ref to Health Care. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate (on 03/20/2025)

bill text


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