Committee approves funding for safe-surrender baby boxes after amendment to change funding source

The Duval County Finance Committee approved bill 2026-186 to place safe-surrender baby boxes in the city, adopting an amendment to change the funding source from operating reserves to debt-savings.

Council member Ron Salem moved the amendment to change the funding source; the amendment carried on a voice vote. Supporters, including Council member Rory Diamond and others, framed the bill as bipartisan and modest in cost. Diamond cited local and state data in support of the measure: "38 babies have been surrendered since 2000 in Jacksonville since 2000," he said, and he referenced statewide figures for safe surrenders and unsafe abandonments.

Council member Arias and others said they were disappointed the bill had been deferred in another committee but praised its potential to "save at least one life" and to destigmatize surrendering infants in the first 30 days. Diamond said the mayor's office supports the initiative and that private funding sources will support some maintenance costs.

The committee approved the final bill by voice vote, 7–0. Legislative services asked to be added as a cosponsor after passage. The bill will proceed per usual legislative scheduling for final action.

Supporters said the measure is intended to complement other outreach and health services; sponsors also said they are analyzing access to first- and second-trimester health-care services to pair with the boxes. The committee did not identify specific installation sites at this meeting.