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Bill

Bill

AB 1116

Relating to: installation of a newborn infant safety device at an emergency medical services station.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bare and 10 co-sponsors

Requires Wisconsin EMS stations to install newborn safety devices enabling anonymous infant surrender to prevent abandonment and infanticide.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1116

Legislative bill overview

AB 1116 would require Wisconsin emergency medical services (EMS) stations to install newborn infant safety devices—commonly known as "safe haven" or "baby boxes." These devices allow parents to anonymously and safely surrender newborns without legal consequences, typically positioned at or near emergency facilities for 24/7 access.

Why is this important

Safe haven laws aim to prevent infanticide and abandonment by providing a legal alternative for parents in crisis. Installing physical devices at EMS stations expands access beyond hospitals and could reduce harm to vulnerable newborns while encouraging parents to seek help rather than abandon infants in dangerous locations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Requiring installation and maintenance of devices at all EMS stations statewide could impose significant unfunded mandates on local emergency services with limited budgets
  • Effectiveness questions: Evidence on whether physical devices increase safe haven usage compared to existing hospital-based programs is mixed; some argue resources might be better directed elsewhere
  • Privacy and identification concerns: Anonymous surrender policies may complicate medical history tracking, genetic screening, and future contact if the child seeks information about biological family

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

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