Bill
HB 6552
Overview: HB 6552, AN ACT AUTHORIZING HOSPITALS TO INSTALL DEVICES ON AN EXTERIOR WALL OF AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO FACILITATE THE VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF INFANTS TO EMERGENCY DEPA
Overview: HB 6552, AN ACT AUTHORIZING HOSPITALS TO INSTALL DEVICES ON AN EXTERIOR WALL OF AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO FACILITATE THE VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF INFANTS TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT STAFF, was introduced on January 24, 2025 and referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to authorize hospitals to install devices on the exterior walls of their emergency departments to enable the voluntary and anonymous surrender of infants. This is intended to provide a safe haven for newborns and prevent infant abandonment.
Key Provisions:
- Allows hospitals to install devices, such as incubators or hatches, on the exterior walls of their emergency departments
- Specifies that infants voluntarily surrendered through these devices will be accepted by the hospital without question or consequence
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would primarily impact parents or caregivers who are considering abandoning an infant, as it would provide a legal and safe alternative. Hospitals would be responsible for installing and maintaining the surrender devices.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health for further consideration. If approved by the committee, it would then proceed through the normal legislative process.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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