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Georgia House approves bill to allow "safe-surrender" infant devices at fire stations and hospitals
Summary
The House passed HB 350 on Feb. 3, 2026, a bill authorizing installation of infant safe-surrender devices at fire halls, police stations and medical facilities, with alarm, inspection, and Department of Human Services pickup procedures described by the sponsor.
Representative Mike Cameron introduced House Bill 350, which would authorize installation of infant safe-surrender devices (sometimes called "hatches" or "window of life" devices) at fire halls, police stations and medical facilities across Georgia and set operational requirements. "This bill will allow the installation of infant safety devices in the state of Georgia," Cameron said, describing how a newborn could be placed inside a device, trigger a silent alarm and be retrieved and taken to medical care.
The sponsor outlined procedural safeguards in the bill: an alarm must notify a 9-1-1 or EMS center when a surrender occurs, devices include interior monitoring alarms, on-site personnel must check the device twice daily, and both alarms must be checked monthly. Once the child reaches a medical facility, Department of Human Services is notified and, "within 6 hours" the department takes custody, Cameron said.
Members asked questions about anonymity and who may surrender a child. Representative Holly referenced a high-profile child-death case and asked whether the bill applies irrespective of the parent's identity; Cameron replied the statute permits anonymous surrender and "doesn't specify" a parent's gender or status. Representative Scofield and others expressed support; the committee report favoring passage was agreed to and the House passed HB 350.
Why it matters: supporters said the measure provides a safe, anonymous option for caregivers in crisis and creates a regulated process intended to protect newborns and ensure timely medical and child welfare intervention. Opponents on the floor did not register formal objections during the session's debate.
What's next: The bill passed the House by recorded vote and will proceed according to the legislatures regular processes for consideration by the Senate or for enrollment, depending on the chambers rules.
Attributions in this article come from floor remarks by Representative Mike Cameron and questions recorded during the bill presentation.
