Safe Havens
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends South Carolina law to allow for the use of newborn safety devices at designated ‘safe havens,’ such as hospitals and fire stations. It outlines procedures for infants left at these locations, including notification requirements, information gathering from the leaving parent, and establishing a permanency plan. The bill also addresses legal protections for individuals leaving infants and establishes a reporting requirement for the Department of Social Services.
Key provisions
- Allows the use of newborn safety devices at designated safe havens.
- Establishes procedures for notifying the Department of Social Services upon infant intake.
- Requires safe havens to collect information from the parent leaving the infant, including medical history.
- Outlines a timeline for hearings regarding permanency planning and termination of parental rights.
- Provides immunity from prosecution for individuals leaving infants in safe havens under specific circumstances.
- Specifies requirements for newborn safety devices, including visibility and alarm systems.
- Mandates an annual report to the General Assembly on infants taken into state custody.
- Defines ‘safe haven’ and ‘newborn safety device’ for legal purposes.
Who is affected
- Parents of infants
- Hospitals and hospital outpatient facilities
- Fire stations
- Law enforcement agencies
Bill text
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