Overview of Washington law, statistics, legislation, and news stories related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
Law
- No law has been enacted to authorize installation of baby boxes in Washington State.
Legislation
2024
- HB 1888 : Carried over to 2024. Dead
2023
- HB 1888 Amends Washington Safe Haven Law to (1) expand age limit from 72 hours to 31 days of age; (2) allow the use of baby boxes; (3) requires annual public report on cases. Although SHBB brags that the boxes are not funded by public money, the bill requires the following:
- The department shall provide grant funding for at least three newborn transfer locations to install, maintain, and provide outreach regarding newborn safety devices. One of the newborn transfer locations provided funding under this subsection must be located in Indian country. The grant funding under this subsection must be provided to newborn transfer locations in populous areas in the following locations: (i) Central Washington; (ii) East of the crest of the Cascade mountain range; and (iii) West of the crest of the Cascade mountain range.
Hearings/Testimony/Letters
No hearings/testimony/letters to date.
News and Commentary
2023
- Washington State Lawmakers Take the First Step on the Road to Hell. Safe Haven Baby Box Bill Pre-filed, SSHBBN, December 8, 2023
- Bipartisan team prefiles bill to bring Safe Haven Baby Boxes to Washington state, Apple Valley News, December 15, 2023
Updated December 28, 2023