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House expands safe‑haven relinquishment window from 72 hours to 30 days
Summary
The House passed House Bill 10‑24 to extend the statutory window for voluntary child relinquishment from 72 hours to 30 days, citing postpartum vulnerability and rural access concerns; amendment L004 clarified committee language and was adopted.
House Bill 10‑24, titled in debate as the "Colorado safe" measure, advanced on Feb. 25, 2026, when the House adopted amendment L004 and then passed the bill on final reading.
Sponsor remarks emphasized the postpartum period as a vulnerable time and argued that extending the safe‑haven window to 30 days would give parents more time to consider options, especially in rural areas where access and travel can be barriers. Representative Bridal and other proponents cited testimony from Mental Health Colorado and data noting several relinquishments last year. Representative Ryden said she had researched the measure and supported it after discussions with stakeholders. The adopted amendment L004 clarified committee language and the sponsors asked for an I vote; the bill passed on final reading.
