South Dakota HB1044: Authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes.

What the bill says

An Act ENTITLED An Act to authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes.

From the enrolled text:

An Act ENTITLED An Act to authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That § 25-5A-27 be AMENDED: 25-5A-27. An emergency services provider or licensed child placement agency must accept physical custody of a newborn if: (1) The newborn is voluntarily surrendered by the newborn's parent: (a) To an agent of the provider or agency; or (b) In a newborn safety device, as provided in section 2 of this Act; and (2) The parent does not express an intent to return for the newborn. Any provider or agency that accepts physical custody of a newborn pursuant to this section shall perform any act necessary to protect the physical health and safety of the newborn. Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 25-5A: An emergency services provider or a licensed child placement agency may install and maintain a newborn safety device on its premises, if the premises are staffed twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. The newborn safety device must: (1) Be in a conspicuous location on the provider's or agency's premises; (2) Have a climate-controlled and padded receptacle that is appropriately sized for a newborn; (3) Have an …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tamara Grove (R, SD-026) · primary sponsor
• Bethany Soye (R, HD-009) · primary sponsor
• Julie Auch (R, HD-018)
• Aaron Aylward (R, HD-006)
• Jessica Bahmuller (R, HD-019)
• Heather Baxter (R, HD-034)
• John Carley (R, SD-029)
• Sydney Davis (R, SD-017)
• Eric Emery (D, HD-026)
• Red Foster (D, SD-027)
• John Hughes (R, HD-013)
• Amber Hulse (R, SD-030)

Votes

• Do Pass (February 24, 2025): 35 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Do Pass (February 21, 2025): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Do Pass (January 27, 2025): 68 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Do Pass (January 23, 2025): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1044?

HB1044 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (2025 Regular Session): Authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes.

What does HB1044 do?

In its own words: An Act ENTITLED An Act to authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes.

What is the status of HB1044?

Passed both chambers as of March 6, 2025.

Who sponsored HB1044?

Tamara Grove (R, SD-026), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1044?

On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/25473