Downloads
CS/HB 775 — Surrendered Infants
by Health & Human Services Committee and Reps. Canady, Beltran, and others (SB 790 by Senators Yarborough, Osgood, and Perry)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill modifies statutory provisions relating to surrendered newborn infants, changing the term “newborn infant” to “infant.” The bill increases the age of an infant who may be lawfully surrendered from up to approximately seven days old to approximately 30 days old.
The bill provides an additional method of lawful surrender by allowing the parent of an infant to dial 911 to request that an emergency medical service (EMS) provider meet at a specified location for surrender of the infant. The bill requires that a surrendering parent who uses this new method must stay with the infant until the EMS provider arrives to take custody.
The bill provides that after the delivery of an infant in a hospital, a parent may relinquish the infant to medical staff or a licensed health care professional at the hospital upon notifying such individual that he or she is voluntarily surrendering the infant and does not intend to return.
The bill also extends immunity from criminal investigation solely because an infant is left with eligible EMS station personnel or at an EMS station or a fire station. The bill also extends immunity from criminal or civil liability to medical staff of a hospital for acting in good faith when accepting a surrendered infant at a hospital in accordance with statutory provisions.
Lastly, the bill makes a number of conforming changes in multiple sections of the statute to change instances of “newborn infant” to “infant” when referencing the surrendering of an infant as provided in the bill.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 35-0; House 117-0