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LB 214

Provide for the use of newborn safety devices and procedures relating to surrendered newborn infants

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rick Holdcroft

Expands Nebraska’s Newborn Safe Haven Act to authorize and regulate newborn safety devices as anonymous surrender drop-off sites, with protections, funding, and info.

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Bill Summary · LB 214

Summary of Legislative Bill LB 214 (Nebraska, 2025)

Overview

  • Bill number: LB 214
  • Title: Provide for the use of newborn safety devices and procedures relating to surrendered newborn infants
  • Purpose: Expand Nebraska’s Newborn Safe Haven Act to authorize and regulate the use of newborn safety devices as approved drop-off locations for surrendering newborns, with accompanying protections, funding provisions, and public information requirements.
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Senator Rick Holdcroft (principal introducer); Chair: Senator Brian Hardin; Committee: Health and Human Services
  • Status: Notice of hearing for March 6, 2025
  • Emergency and effective date: Effective upon enactment due to emergency clause language

Key Provisions

1) Definitions

  • Newborn infant: a child ninety days old or younger.
  • Newborn safety device: a padded, temperature-controlled device designed to allow anonymous surrender of a newborn.

2) Device Requirements and Operation

  • Location requirements:
    • Hospitals: continuous 24/7 staff and devices must be conspicuous to staff.
    • Fire stations: 24/7 staffing; device either conspicuous or in a monitored area with motion sensors and a dual alarm system connected to the location.
  • Device features:
    • Dual alarm system:
    • First alarm: calls 911 and dispatches EMS or a firefighter when the device is opened.
    • Second alarm: calls 911 after movement is detected inside the device.
    • Weekly testing of the alarm system.
    • Visual inspection and provision of informational literature to users.
    • A pouch with informational literature included in the device.
  • Signage and information:
    • Clear signage identifying the device access portal and instructions in English, Spanish, and other commonly used languages.
    • Written and pictorial instructions detailing how to open the portal, place the infant inside, retrieve the information pouch, and close the portal to engage the lock.

3) Location Participation and Funding

  • Participation is voluntary.
  • Location selection and device purchase may be initiated by local residents or an authorized drop-off location.
  • Funding for installation can come from:
    • Public funds approved by local governmental bodies, and
    • Philanthropic/private donations.
  • The act emphasizes grants for installation (not purchase or ongoing operations).

4) Grants and Public Information

  • Intent to appropriate funds (e.g., “fifteen thousand” previously noted) to award grants for installation of newborn safety devices.
  • State funding aims to support a public information program about the Newborn Safe Haven Act.
  • Secured funding components include:
    • A public information program with a permanent website detailing authorized drop-off locations.
    • Literature distribution nationwide as determined by the department and partners.
    • Training for emergency responders and healthcare/public safety personnel.
    • Toll-free contact information for the National Safe Haven Alliance.

5) Public Information and Website

  • Establishment and maintenance of a public information program:
    • Interactive website with information on the Act and drop-off locations.
    • Distribution of educational materials and media outreach.
    • Training and awareness campaigns.

6) Immunity and Prosecution

  • No person shall be prosecuted for surrendering a newborn infant under the Act when done at a listed facility (hospital, staffed fire station, staffed law enforcement agency, or emergency care provider).
  • Facilities are required to promptly take custody of the infant and contact authorities as appropriate.

7) Legislative and Administrative Details

  • Repeals original sections 43-4901 to 43-4903 and related provisions, replacing them with the updated framework.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with developing procedures to allow anonymous submission of medical history and potential paternity testing for surrendered newborns, published on the department’s website.
  • The act contains an emergency clause, taking effect upon passage and approval as required by law.

Who is Affected

  • Hospitals, fire stations, law enforcement agencies, emergency care providers, and other local drop-off locations may participate as newborn safety device sites.
  • Newborns surrendered under the act and their families benefit from enhanced safety, anonymity, and streamlined custody transfer.
  • Public health authorities and emergency services providers receive new reporting, maintenance, and training responsibilities.
  • Nebraska residents and communities benefit from expanded information and awareness initiatives regarding newborn safety.

Timeline and Legislative Process

  • Introduction: January 14, 2025
  • Referred to: Health and Human Services Committee (January 16, 2025)
  • Hearing: Notice for March 6, 2025 (document indicates scheduled hearing)
  • Status: Pending at the committee stage as of the provided information

Bottom Line

LB 214 proposes a structured expansion of the Newborn Safe Haven Act to formally authorize and regulate newborn safety devices as drop-off locations, with specific device requirements, signage, staff responsibilities, voluntary participation, and a dedicated framework for public information and limited grant funding to support installation. It also strengthens protections for surrendering parents and outlines government and community roles in implementation.

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

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