AlaskaSB 934th Legislature - First Session (2025)SenateWALLET

SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Safe surrender ends parent support duty

Beginning July 1, 2026, a safe surrender can end a parent’s legal duty to support an infant. You must be immune under AS 11.81.500 and not say you will return. Leave the infant with a peace officer, doctor, hospital worker, EMS or fire staff, or another person you reasonably believe will keep the infant safe, or use an approved infant safety device. There must be no sign the infant was hurt before surrender.

Facilities face rules for infant devices

Beginning July 1, 2026, facilities that host infant safety devices must follow strict rules. Devices must be visible to staff, climate‑controlled, post a crisis number, list alternatives, show warnings, call 911 when opened, record video inside, and lock automatically. They must be installed and maintained to maker and department standards, checked at install and yearly, and tested monthly. Only certain sites (hospitals, birth centers, clinics, police, trooper posts, and fire departments) with a device count as designated facilities. If an infant is placed in a device, the facility must tell the nearest department office right away.

Immediate tribal notice for Indian children

Beginning July 1, 2026, if a surrendered infant placed in a safety device is determined to be an Indian child, the department must contact the child’s tribe right away.

Responders get duties and protections

Beginning July 1, 2026, people who receive a surrendered infant must care for the infant and call the department right away. They must tell the parent that identity and medical questions are optional and ask if the parent wants to give up parental rights; if yes, they must contact the department. Agencies and facilities that accept a safely abandoned infant are protected from civil lawsuits for failing to perform these duties. The department may train 911 operators, EMS, hospital staff, firefighters, law enforcement, and facility staff on these rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Robert Myers
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 18 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

PASSED Y18 N2