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Appropriations committee pauses action on bill to fund newborn safety devices (baby boxes) pending agency follow‑up
Summary
Representative Matt Ruby presented House Bill 12‑05 to establish a grant program covering purchase and maintenance of newborn safety drop boxes; committee members asked agencies for data on likely demand, potential administrative costs and federal funding options and held the measure for further consultation
The committee discussed House Bill 12‑05, a proposal to appropriate $100,000 for grants to install newborn safety devices (so‑called “baby boxes” or newborn safety drop boxes) at approved locations.
Representative Matt Ruby, the bill sponsor, said the devices cost about $15,000 each with roughly $500 per year in maintenance, and that the bill would provide grants through the Department of Health and Human Services to approved locations (hospitals and other designated sites). He told the committee there are currently no such devices installed in the state.
Committee questions: Members asked for more detail on the likely volume of use, asking DHHS to estimate demand by reviewing foster‑care intake and related statistics. Representatives noted the state’s existing “safe haven” statute allows surrender of infants under one year at many staffed locations (hospitals, EMS, human service centers, police stations, etc.), and pointed out the bill’s maintenance and administrative expenses could reduce the amount available for devices.
Agency considerations and next steps: Committee members requested that the department confirm whether existing programs or grants could absorb administration and whether federal funds might pay for program costs. The committee did not vote; members asked staff to coordinate a follow‑up meeting with the Department of Health and Human Services to assess operational needs and expected demand before advancing the appropriation.
Ending: The bill was held for further agency follow‑up; committee members asked the sponsor and agency to return with utilization estimates, potential federal funding options and details about grant administration.
