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HB 1205

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 50-25.1-15 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to abandonment of infants in newborn safety devices.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Macy Bolinske and 10 co-sponsors

North Dakota law expands newborn safe haven protections by amending procedures for anonymous infant surrender in designated safety devices without parental legal consequences.

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/11
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Bill Summary · HB 1205

Legislative bill overview

HB 1205 amends North Dakota's "safe haven" law by modifying provisions related to the abandonment of infants in designated newborn safety devices. The bill updates section 50-25.1-15 of the North Dakota Century Code to clarify or expand protections and procedures for parents who surrender newborns through safe haven mechanisms without legal consequences.

Why is this important

Safe haven laws aim to prevent infanticide and abandonment in dangerous locations by providing legal pathways for parents in crisis to surrender newborns anonymously at designated facilities. This amendment strengthens North Dakota's existing protections, potentially expanding where devices can be located or clarifying immunity provisions for parents and facilities involved in the process.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and tracking concerns: Opponents may worry about how "safety devices" are monitored and whether adequate privacy protections exist for surrendering parents
  • Facility burden: Healthcare facilities accepting infants through these devices may face operational and resource challenges, particularly in rural areas
  • Scope of immunity: Questions about how broadly parental immunity is defined and whether it adequately protects parents from investigation or prosecution under other circumstances

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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