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HD 2836

An Act to amend the safe haven law to extend the timeframe for voluntary placement of newborns

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jenny Armini

Massachusetts extends the voluntary safe haven relinquishment window from 7 to 30 days after birth, giving parents more time to seek help before surrendering a newborn.

Senate concurred
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Bill Summary · HD 2836

Summary: HD 2836 — An Act to amend the safe haven law to extend the timeframe for voluntary placement of newborns

Overview

  • Purpose: To extend the allowable timeframe for voluntary relinquishment of a newborn at a designated safe haven from 7 days to 30 days after birth.
  • Context: The bill would amend Section 39½ of Chapter 119 of the General Laws (Massachusetts).

What the bill would change

  • Specific amendment: Section 39½ would be amended by striking the numeral “7” in lines 2 and 12 and inserting the numeral “30” in its place.
  • Effect: Parents or guardians would have up to 30 days after birth to voluntarily place a newborn at a safe haven, rather than the current 7-day window. The rest of the safe haven framework remains as established by the existing statute.

Who would be affected

  • Newborns and their parents or guardians seeking a safe haven option.
  • Hospitals, social service providers, and other designated safe havens that accept surrendered newborns.
  • Child welfare agencies and personnel responsible for processing safe haven placements.

Timeline and legislative status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (2025-02-27); the Senate concurred on the same date.
  • Context: The bill is part of the 194th Massachusetts General Court (2025-2026).

Practical implications

  • Accessibility: The longer window may provide families with more time to consider options and seek assistance before making a relinquishment.
  • Policy alignment: This change aligns the statute with broader child welfare considerations by expanding safe and voluntary options for families.
  • Implementation: No other provisions appear to be added; agencies and safe havens would implement the extended timeframe within existing intake procedures.

Notes

  • The provided text does not specify an effective date beyond the statutory amendment. The change is limited to increasing the relinquishment window from 7 to 30 days and does not alter other elements of the safe haven framework.

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

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