Bill > HB1257

This bill expands Colorado's "safe haven" law to allow parents to voluntarily relinquish newborns up to 60 days old (previously limited to 72 hours) at authorized facilities like fire stations, hospitals, and community clinic emergency centers. The bill introduces a new provision for newborn safety devices, which must be installed in a conspicuous location within a structural wall with automatic locking doors and a dual alarm system. Authorized facilities that install these devices are responsible for their installation and maintenance, must test the alarm system weekly, and provide information to relinquishing parents about reunification, genetic testing, counseling resources, and medical services. The bill also provides legal protection for authorized personnel involved in receiving relinquished children, mandates that county departments place relinquished children with potential adoptive or foster parents as soon as possible, and requires parents seeking reunification to undergo counseling or parenting classes. Additionally, the bill updates various related statutes to reflect these changes, including educational curriculum requirements about safe haven laws and child abuse definitions. The goal is to provide a safer, more supportive process for parents in crisis who feel unable to care for their newborn.

Health and Social Services

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1257