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House committee backs one-time grants for newborn safety boxes at safe-haven sites
Summary
House Bill 476 would provide one-time grants up to $20,000 to place newborn "baby boxes" at designated safe-haven locations; sponsors said boxes offer an anonymous, climate-controlled option for parents in crisis and oversight by DPHHS will be required.
Representative Greg (seat number referenced in committee) presented House Bill 476, proposing a one-time grant program to fund newborn safety devices (commonly called "baby boxes") at designated safe-haven locations including hospitals, fire stations and police stations.
The sponsor described the devices as "climate controlled, equipped with silent alarms that immediately notify first responders" and said grants of up to $20,000 would be available to eligible locations for a total of $160,000 for the biennium. The bill includes DPHHS oversight and a sunset clause to permit review before any renewal.
Members at the hearing described existing baby-box installations. Representative Vinton recounted seeing a baby box at a local fire hall during a legislative update; the sponsor clarified a currently installed device is at a Lockwood fire department and said she did not know how that box was funded. Representative Staffing noted that when the bill was considered previously, the sponsor had indicated private funds would cover installations; the sponsor said she would look into the current funding status.
Supporters described the devices as an anonymous last-resort option for parents in crisis, intended to preserve infant safety and connect surrendered newborns quickly to first responders and child-welfare services. Representative Espin referenced emotional testimony from prior hearings and expressed support for expanding access to such devices in hospitals and emergency departments.
The committee recorded committee action to recommend HB476 do pass, with absentee votes noted during the roll call (Representative Cunningham voted no; Representatives Suketis, Tuss and Oblander recorded as aye in the absentee tally).
Clarifying details: one baby box is currently at a Lockwood-area fire department; the committee did not identify who paid for that installation during the hearing. The bill proposes up to $20,000 per grant and a total authorization of $160,000 for the biennium.
The committee recommended the bill for further House consideration.
