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HB 2125

Relating to defining a newborn safety device

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Geno Chiarelli and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2125 allows 911 centers and ambulance stations to serve as safe drop-off sites for newborns, ensuring anonymity and reducing infant abandonment risks.

To House Health and Human Resources
#courts
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2125

Summary of House Bill 2125

Bill Number: HB 2125
Title: Relating to defining a newborn safety device
Status: To House Health and Human Resources
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Courts

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2125 aims to enhance the safety and welfare of newborns by allowing 911 centers and ambulance stations that are staffed 24 hours a day to serve as drop-off locations for newborn safety devices. This legislation is designed to provide parents with a safe and anonymous option for relinquishing newborns within 30 days of birth, thereby reducing the risk of abandonment and ensuring that infants are placed in safe environments.

Key Provisions

  • Designation of Drop-off Locations:

    • The bill permits county commissions to designate 911 call centers and ambulance stations as safe-surrender sites where newborn safety devices can be installed.

  • Definition of Newborn Safety Device:

    • A "newborn safety device" is defined as a device that allows a person to anonymously place a child under 30 days old into the device, which is then monitored by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.
    • The device must include a dual alarm system that alerts staff when a child is placed inside, ensuring prompt response and care.

  • Anonymity and Protection:

    • Parents relinquishing a child through these devices can do so anonymously without fear of legal repercussions for child abandonment, provided they do not exhibit signs of child abuse or neglect.

  • Emergency Medical Response:

    • EMS providers retrieving a child from the device are required to transport the child to the nearest hospital for immediate medical care.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill are newborns and their parents, particularly those in crisis situations who may feel unable to care for their child.
    • Emergency medical services and hospitals will also be involved in the process of ensuring the safety and health of the relinquished infants.

  • Community Safety:

    • By providing a safe and anonymous option for relinquishing newborns, the bill aims to reduce instances of infant abandonment and enhance community safety.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced to the House Health and Human Resources Committee on January 28, 2025.
  • It has undergone several legislative actions, including hearings and committee reports, and is currently awaiting further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2125 represents a proactive approach to addressing the issue of infant abandonment by establishing safe and accessible options for parents in distress. By designating 911 centers and ambulance stations as drop-off locations for newborn safety devices, the bill seeks to protect vulnerable infants and provide peace of mind to parents.

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

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