South Dakota House lawmakers are advancing a proposal to allow hospitals and fire stations install baby boxes that allow parents to surrender a child.
The bill is in response to a situation where a baby was found dead at a Sioux Falls recycling center.
Republican Representative Bethany Soye is bringing the bill. She says the state already has a safe haven law, but it requires a face-to-face handoff.
“So you have to give it to a nurse, or to a fire fighter,” Soye said. “So, this option just provides that you don’t have to give the baby to a person. You could place it in a baby box, instead.”
Soye says the boxes have sensors, alarms and a lock once the baby is placed inside. If the baby is not retrieved after five minutes, the boxes call 911.
The bill passed the House unanimously. It now heads to the state Senate.
