Committee hears bill to allow optional ‘newborn safety devices’ at staffed facilities

State lawmakers on the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services on Thursday held a public hearing on House Bill 2901, which would authorize counties and authorized facilities to install climate‑controlled, dual‑alarmed, locking newborn safety devices as an optional anonymous way for a parent in crisis to surrender an infant.

The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Emily McIntyre, said HB 2901 “is a bill for parents in crisis. This is not a bill for everyone, and in fact we hope that no one has the need to use it.” She told the committee the device would add a confidential option distinct from existing safe‑haven procedures and that the measure is drafted as permissive: counties and facilities could choose whether to contract for and host the devices.

Supporters told the committee they see the devices as a life‑saving supplement to Oregon’s current safe‑surrender law. Polk County Sheriff Mark Garten…