Bill > SB206

This bill modifies New Mexico's Safe Haven for Infants Act to allow parents to anonymously relinquish infants in "safe haven baby boxes," which are specially designed devices at designated safe haven sites like hospitals, fire stations, or law enforcement agencies, designed to maintain an infant's environment. The bill clarifies that parents who use these boxes or relinquish an infant to staff are not required to provide identifying information and will not be pursued, and it establishes a 90-day window for parents to contact the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) if they wish to reclaim their child. If a parent does not contact CYFD within this period, the department is required to immediately initiate proceedings to terminate parental rights without further notice, and reunification will not be considered in the infant's best interest unless contact is made within those 90 days. The bill also grants immunity to safe haven sites that install and maintain these baby boxes, protecting them from liability for accepting an infant, but not for subsequent negligent care. Additionally, it amends the Abuse and Neglect Act to exempt infants relinquished at safe haven sites from certain notification requirements for grandparents and other relatives.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=206&year=26