Committee clears amended safe-haven baby-box bill after sponsors cite testing and response protocols

Representative Butler presented an amendment to House Bill 1844 that clarifies locations where safe-haven baby boxes may be placed, tightens language around staffing and monitoring, and requires 24-hour monitoring and testing of boxes before service. Butler said boxes are "tested for 7 days before they're put into service" and described a three-notification system that includes a local alarm, a 911 call and a third notification as determined by the local authority.

In response to a member question about response mechanisms for locations that are not staffed 24 hours a day, Butler explained boxes connect to 911 and can route alerts to a fire chief or another designee. He cited local response times, saying the city of Cookeville's response was "5 minutes and 18 seconds," and described how a surrendered infant is taken to an emergency room and custody turned over to DCS (Department of Children's Services). The clerk reported a recorded vote of 22 ayes and 0 nays; the bill passes as amended and moves to Finance, Ways and Means.