Bill
Bill > HB1616
summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 43-15-201, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Remove Intent As An Element For Termination Of Parental Rights When A Child Is Left In A Baby Safety Device; To Amend Section 43-15-203, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Require A Shelter Hearing When The Department Has Control Of A Baby That Has Been Dropped Off; To Amend Sections 43-15-205, 43-21-551, 43-21-603 And 43-21-451, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Sections; To Amend Section 93-15-109, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Add "surrender To A Baby Safety Device" To The List Of Ways To Surrender A Child To The Department Of Child Protection Services; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill makes several changes to Mississippi law regarding the surrender of infants, particularly through "baby safety devices," which are climate-controlled units designed for anonymous infant placement with an alarm system. Firstly, it removes the requirement to prove a parent's "intent" to abandon a child when using a baby safety device, meaning that simply placing a child in such a device will now terminate parental rights. Secondly, it mandates that a "shelter hearing," a court proceeding to determine the immediate safety and placement of a child, must be held within 48 hours after the Department of Child Protection Services (DCPS) takes custody of a surrendered baby. The bill also clarifies that surrendering a child to a baby safety device is a recognized method for parents to relinquish custody to the DCPS and makes conforming changes to other related sections of the law.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred To Judiciary, Division A (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1616.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1600-1699/HB1616PS.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1600-1699/HB1616CS.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1600-1699/HB1616IN.htm |
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