The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 246 sponsored by Rep. Carbaugh and Rep. Holdman on child neglect defense. This bill specifies that it is a defense to a claim of neglect of a dependent if the individual left the child with a person who is an emergency medical services provider or in a newborn safety device that meets the specified requirements under the Safe Haven Law. It also provides civil immunity for a hospital that operates a newborn safety device if the device meets specified requirements, unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
The bill was amended to increase the penalty to a Level 1 felony for neglect resulting in the death of a dependent of any age who has a mental or physical disability. The amended bill passed 8-0.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/senate/246