The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 123 on newborn safety devices at fire departments authored by Sen. Holdman. Under the Safe Haven Law, this bill adds that it is a defense to a claim of neglect of a dependent if the individual left the child in a newborn safety device that is located at a fire department, including a volunteer fire department, that meets specified requirements. It also provides civil immunity for a fire department that operates a newborn safety device for an act or omission relating to the device if the device meets specified requirements unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Representatives from Allen County Right to Life, Professional Firefighters of Indiana, Indiana Catholic Conference, Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, and Safe Haven Baby Boxes testified in favor of the bill. The bill passed 6-1.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2018/bills/senate/123