Legislation related to safe haven baby boxes in the United States. Bill descriptions and map are for 2026 state legislative sessions. Prior legislative bill analyses include the 2025, 2024 2023 and 2022 sessions. Analysis of traditional Safe Haven legislation (not baby boxes) is here.
New map up shortly
KEY: Active • Enacted • Dead/In Limbo • Session Dates
Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc. prides itself in taking “no taxpayer funds” to pay for boxes. This is not true. Several states hae passed bills to the establish grants to pay for baby boxes. Grant and other public funding schemes are noted in individual bill summaries.
It’s difficult to determine if individual states include an ICWA protection or their own Indian protection law written into their SH/SHBB statutes. If you see errors in the legislative information below, please let us know
About the and icons
Bill would authorize Baby Abandonment Box installation/use in state.
Add-on legislation to current laws that already authorize boxes. Add-ons include, but are not limited, to authorization for state funding; authorization for additional baby box locations; increase in age babies can be boxed; addition of baby box “education” in public school curriculum
Bill is marginally connected to baby box legislation
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ALASKA
SB 9 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
SB9 Summary: Amends the Alaska Safe Haven law to authorize installation of baby abandonment boxes located at hospitals, freestanding medical facilities, offices of private physicians, municipal police stations, rural health clinics, state trooper posts, fire stations or other facilities designated by commissioner as an appropriate location for a “device.” State Appropriations: No. Age Limit: 21 days or less. ICWA Protections: Yes . OBC Access: Yes. Senate Amendments: Summary here. Several including addition of tribal health partners as locations and requirements for box size and signage. Alaska Legislative Session: January 20-May 20, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None
Lead Sponsor: Sen Robert Myers (R)
Support: Anchorage Fire Department, Alaska Right to Life, Right to Life Interior Alaska, Alaska Childens’ Trust, Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Society for Adoption Truth
Actions:
- January 10. 2025: Prefiled
- January 22, 2025: Introduced; 1st Reading, Referred to Senate Health & Human Services Committee
- February 20, 2025: Hearing in Senate Health and Social Services Committee. Documents for hearing, submitted testimony/letters here. (Results unknown)
- February 25, 2025: Hearing in Health and Social Services Commitee; Bill held over for further discussion.
- March 13, 2024: Hearing in Health and Social Services Commitee
- March 14, 2025: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
- March 3 1, 2025: Hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee; Set aside for further discussion
- April 11, 2025: Hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee; no vote. More discussion needed especially regarding safety and inspection.
- May 12, 2025: Hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee: No recommendation 3-1. Referred to Senate Rules Committee
- May 20, 2025: Sine Die. Carried over to 2026
Companion Bill HB64; and CSHB64
CSHB64 (Subbill Summary: On February 20, 2026 a CS (subbill) was introduced. SHBB language remains, but the bill now codifies legal anon birth in hospital or birthing center; allows mothers to “choose an assumed name; “no identifying information will be released; legal last name will not appear on any documents. This is referred to as “confidential labor and delivery services.”
Lead Sponsor: Rep Frank Tomaszewski
Actions
- January 24, 2025: Introduced; Referred to Health and Human Services Committee
- May 2, 2025: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
- May 15, 2025: Hearing in House Judiciary; No vote; Held over
- May 20, 2025: Sine Die. Carried over to 2026
- February 13, 2026: Hearing in House Judiciary Committee; vote
- February 20, 2026: Hearing in Judiciary Committee , no vote taken; CSHB64 introduced and-held over for later discussion.
CALIFORNIA
AB2073 Summary: This bill has not shown up on our daily bill search, and is is on our radar now due to a California Family Council newsletter article. The bill amends the California Safe Haven law to authorize the installation of boxes designated by the board of supervisors at locations approved by the appropriate local governing body. The bill also provides specs for boxes; and requires that a unique, coded confidential ankle bracelet identification and medical information questionnaire, with state-mandated text, be placed in the box. All identifying information about parent(s) will be redacted from the medical information provided by them. Surrendering person(s) cannot be prosecuted for using the box. Under the California Constitution, the state will reimburse local agencies for certain costs mandated by law. Age Limit: 3 days. (AB1628 has also been introduced (Assb. Michelle Rodriguez-R) to expand the age limit to 30 days.) State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: No, but clean billSB381 passed the Senate and is currently in the Assembly awaiting action. California Legislative Session: January 5-August 31, 2026. Crossover Deadline: May 29, 2026.
Lead Sponsor: Asssb Natasha Johnson (R)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes, California Family Council
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Society for Adoption Truth
Actions:
- February 18, 2026: Introduced; 1st reading
GEORGIA
HB 350 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
HB 350 Amends Georgia Safe Haven law to authorize installation of baby abandonment osfboxes; incudes requirements and specs for boxes; authorizes ambulance services to accept physical custody of newborns Same bill failed to meet cross-over deadline last session. Age Limit: 30 days or less. State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: Yes. Georgia Legislative Session: January 12, 2026-April 6, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None
Lead Sponsor: Rep Mike Cameron (R)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Bringing Newborn Safety Devices to Georgia, Georgia Right to Life
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents.
Actions:
- February 10, 2025: Introduced
- February 11, , 2025: 1st Reading
- February 12, 2025: 2nd Reading
- February 19, 2025: House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee unanimously
- March 6, 2025. Failed to meet cross-over deadline: Dead
- April 2, 2025: (Last day of session). According to BB advocates, the bill tacked on to another House bill (we do not find the number) and reportedly passed House 146-15). It was not heard in the Senate.
- April 4, 2025: Withdrawn; Recommitted (It will return next session)
- January 28, 20 26: House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee hearing; Passed. Referred to House Rules Committee
- February 2 2026: House Rules Committee meeting; Passed. Referred to House Floor for vote
- February 3 2026: House Floor Vote; Passed 168 -0 (12 Not Voting or Excused)
- February 4, 2026: Introduced in Senate; 1st Reading; Rerferred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
MICHIGAN
HB 4067 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
HB 4067 Summary: Same as previous Senate bill except this session introduced in the House. Amends Michigan safe haven law authorizes baby abandonment boxes; include box specs box site: requires sites to be open 24/7; Department of Health and Human Services required to post location of boxes on its website. Infants will be turned over to private child placing agencies for adoption placement. Information regarding the surrender shall be accessible to child placing agency:
- The known date and time of surrender of the newborn.
- The address of the location of surrender of the newborn.
- Name and contact information.
- Family medical information.
- Whether or not the information provided may be shared wit the child and prospective adoptive parent.
Age Limt: 3 days or less. State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: No. Varied restrictions depending on DOB. No unrestricted access for any group. Michigan Legislative Session: January 14-December 31, 2026. Crossover Deadline” None
Lead Sponsor: Rep Wiliam Bruck (R) (introduced) and numerous co-sponsors
Support: Safe Haven baby Boxes Inc. Salt Life Global, Right to Life Michigan, Wyandotte Rotary Club
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Michigan Council for Maternal & Child Health, Michigan Poverty Law Program, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, Family Law Section of SMB, Michigan Association of Fire Fighters, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Actions:
- February 13, 2025: Introduced; Referred to House Families and Veterans Committee
- August 12, 2025: House Committee on Families and Veterans Hearing, No vote taken, (Hearing does not appear on bill page).
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HB 4069 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
HB6069 Summary: Same as previous Senate bill except this session introduced in the House, This is a tie-bar bill linked to HB 4067. Under Michigan’s legislative process, both bills must pass in order for each to be enacted. Bill only adds baby boxes to current safe haven law. . Michigan Legislative Session: January 14-December 31, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None
Lead Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R ) (introduced with numerous co-sponsors
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc., Right to Life Michigan, Wyandotte Rotary Club
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Michigan Council for Maternal & Child Health, Michigan Poverty Law Program, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, Family Law Section of SMB, Michigan Association of Fire Fighters, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Actions:
- February 13, 2025: Introduced; Referred to House Families and Veterans Committee
- August 12, 2025: House Committee on Families and Veterans Hearing, No vote taken, (Hearing does not appear on bill page)
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HB4068 Summary: Requires funeral director or agent that assumes custody of a “dead body” of an infant who “survived an attempted abortion” or was placed in a baby abandonment box and later died, to report the death as any other death is reported. . Michigan Legislative Session: January 14-December 31, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None
Lead Sponsor: Rep Mai Xiong (D) (introduced) and numerous co-sponsors
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Right to Life Michigan, Wyandotte Rotary Club
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Michigan Council for Maternal & Child Health, Michigan Poverty Law Program, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, Family Law Section of SMB, Michigan Association of Fire Fighters, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Actions:
August 12, 2025: House Committee on Families and Veterans Hearing, No vote taken, (Hearing does not appear on bill page)
February 13, 2025: Introduced; Referred to House Families and Veterans Commitee
MINNESOTA
HF1903 Legislative Page (Companion to SF2282) – carried over from 2025
HF1903 Summary. Amends Minnesota’s Safe Haven law to authorize installation of baby abandonment boxes at hospitals, fire stations, and emergency service facilities; incudes requirements and specs for boxes. Requires FDA approval for box. FDA has ruled that the device is not a “medical device,” so we are not sure if that is an approval as defined by the general use of the term. The boxes are not UL listed. Similar bill failed to get a committee hearing in 2024. Rep. Novotny is chair of Health, Finance and Policy Commitee this session, though the Minnesota House is evenly split between the parties and its governance is subject to a power sharing agreement between the parties that will go into effect on March 17, where chair of committees will alternate for each hearing. Age limit: 7 days or less; State Appropriations: No; ICWA Protections: Yes; OBC Access: Yes. Minnesota Legislative Session: February 17-May 18, 2026. . Crossover Deadline:: None
Lead Sponsor: Rep Paul Novotny (R) | Rep John Huot (D) | Rep John Burkel (R)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents
Actions:
- March 5, 2025: Introduced; Referred to House Health, Finance, and Policy Committee
- March 17,2025: Hearing in House Health, Finance, and Policy Committee’ Laid over to clean- up language to clarify rural locations status
- May 19, 2025: No action. Did not move in special session negotiations. Carry-over to 2026.
Companion Bill SF2282 – carried over from 2025
Lead Sponsor: Sen Eric Lucero
Actions:
- March 26, 2025: Introduced: Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
- May 19, 2025: No action. Did not move in special session negotiations. Carry-over to 2026
NEBRASKA
LB 214 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
LB 214 Summary: Re-hash of last’s year’s bill that passed but with baby abandonment boxes amended out. Amends the Nebraska Safe Haven law to authorize installation of baby abandonment boxes located at fire stations, hospitals staffed 24/7. Authorizes local government entities to fund boxes. Age Limit: 9o days or less. State Appropriations: $15.000 to funds grants for installation of boxes, but no for purchase. Authorizes local government entities to fund boxes. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: Restricted; depending on date of birth, but birthparent consent is required. Adoptive parent consent required for those born before July 20, 2002. NOTE: Nebraska has unicameral legislature. Nebraska Legislative Session: January 7-April 17 2026, Crossover Deadline: None (Unicam)
Lead Sponsor: Sen Rick Holdcroft
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Voices for Children in Nebraska, Nebraska Family Allialnce, Nebraska Right to Life, Susan B Anthony Pro-Life for America
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, Village in Progress Nebraska
Actions:
- January 14, 2025: Introduced
- January 16,, 2025: Referred to Health and Human Services Committe
- March 6, 2025: Hearing Health and Human Services Commitee’ No action
- May 30, 2025: Dead/. Sine Die. Carried over to 2026 session
- January 8, 2026: Filed
- March 3, 2026: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee
NEW JERSEY
A4157 Summary: Here we go again. This same bill is introduced every session and never gets a hearing. Requires newly constructed police stations, fire stations, and hospitals to provide newborn safety device; allows affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment if parent leaves child in device. New Jersey does noto have a SHBB law. Age Limit: 30 days or less. State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access. No. Those “surrendered” under the state Safe Have law are specifically barred from accessing their OBCs. Last day of session: December 31, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None, but bill can be carried over to the 2027 session.
Sponsor: Carol Murphy (D)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc.
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Michigan Adoption Rights Coalition, Society for Adoption Truth
Actions:
- February 19, 2026: Introduced; Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
NEW YORK
S7904 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
SO7904 Summary: Amends New York’s Safe Haven law to authorize the installation of baby abandonment boxes at a facility staffed 24/7 including but not limited to hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and emergency medical service facilities. Age Limit: 30 days old or less. State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: Yes with no restrictions or conditions. New York Legislative Session: January 7-June 4, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None
Lead Sponsor: Sen Steven T Chan (R)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents
Actions:
- May 13, 2025: Introduced; Referred to Senate Children and Families Committee
A8649 Legislative Page Companion to S7904 (above)
Lead Sponsor: Jaime Williams (D)
Actions:
- May 22, 2025: Introduced; Referred to Assembly Children and Families Committee
NORTH CAROLINA
SB 91 Legislative Page – carried over from 2025
SB 91 Summary: Amends the North Carolina Safe Haven law to authorize installation of baby abandonment boxes located at ERs, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities; specs for boxes, including annual state-inspection of the box. North Carolina is a Home Rule state and 2 boxes are installed there without state law. .Age Limit: 30 days or less. State Appropriations: No, but language seems open for possibility. April 15 2025: Amended to public and private funding. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: No. North Carolina Legislative Session: January 5-June 7, 2026. (Meets 1 day per month until April 21). Crossover Deadline:
Lead Sponsor: Sen Carl Ford (R), Sen Ted Alexander (R).
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Michigan Adoption Rights Coalition. NOTE: Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc opposes because the bill requires 24/7 staffing which force the removal of 2 boxes in the state placed under Home Rule.
Actions:
- February 12, 2025: Filed
- February 13, 2025: 1st Reading; Referred to Senate Rules & Operations Committee
- March 20 2024: Withdrawn from Senate Rules & Operations Committee; Referred to Senate Health Care Committee; If passed favorable in that committee it will be re-referred to Rules & Operations Committee
- May 8, 2025: Failed to meet crossover deadline . Carried over to 2026
Sponsor: Rep Jennifer Balkom (R), Rep Ray Pickett (R), Rep Larry Potts (R), Rep Bill Ward (R)
Actions:
- February 17, 2025: Filed
- February 18, 2025: 1st reading in House; referred to House Judiciary II Committee; if favorable to House Health Committee, then to House Rules and Operations Committee
- April 15, 2025: Hearing in House Judiciary II Committee; Sub Bill passed favorable. Re-referred to House Health Committee
- April 29, 2025: Hearing in House Health Committee; Passed Favorable; Re-referred to House Rules, Calendar, Operations of the House Committees
- May 1, 2025: House 2nd and 3rd readings: Do Pass 75-33; Sent to Senate
- May 5, 2025: Referred to Senate Rules and Operations Committee; Passed 1st reading
- July 31, 2025: No action taken. Carried over to 2025
SOUTH CAROLINA
SB3113 Summary: Barebones legislation that amends the South Carolina Safe Haven Law to authorize installation of baby abandonment boxes located at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, fire stations, EMS stations open 25/7. Age Limit: 60 days or less. State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: No. OBC Access: No. Legislative Session: January 14-May 8, 2026. Cross Over Deadline: None.
Lead Sponsor: Chandra Dillard (D), Tommy Pope (R), Krambell Garvin (D), Thomas Beach (R), Paul Wickensimmer (R), Cody Mitchell (R), Ritchie Yow (R)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center
Actions:
- January 20, 2026: Introduced: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
- January 29, 2026: House Judiciary Committee hearing
Companion Bill S331 Legislative Page
Lead Sponsor: Brian Adams
Actions:
- February 11, 2025: Introduced; Referred to Family and Veterans Services Committee
WISCONSIN
SBB1073 Summary: Amends the Wisconsin safe haven law to adds EMS Stations to locations where baby boxes can be installed. Age Limit: 3 days (This will change to 30 days if AB237/SB243 passes this session). State Appropriations: No. ICWA Protections: Yes. OBC Access: No. Legislative Session: January 13-March 19, 2026. Crossover Deadline: None
Lead Sponsor: Sen Dianne Hesselbein, (D), Sen Mark Sprietzer, (D). Andre Jacque (R)(also the perenial sponsor of clean OBC access bills)
Support:
Oppose:
Actions:
- February 26, 2026: 1st reading; Referred to Senate Mental Heath, Substance Abuse Prevention and Children and Families Committee
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Passed
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Carried Over
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Dead
MISSISSIPPI
HB1616 Companion bill to HB 2727 (dead)
SB2727 Summary: Amends Mississippi SHBB law to “clarify” that placement of an infant in a baby abandonment box is termination of parental rights; removes reference to person designated by a parent; appears to prohibit authorities from following due diligence in locating parent(s) or family members. February 3, 2026: Sub bill makes minor change in SHBB legal procedure. Age limit: 45 days or less; State Appropriations: No; ICWA Protections: Yes; OBC Access: No. Mississippi Legislative Session: January 6-April 5, 2026. Crossover Deadline: February 13, 2026
Lead Sponsor: Rep Angela Cockersham (I)
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Center
Actions:
- January 19, 2026: Introduced; Referred to House Judiciary Committee A
- February 3, 2026: Hearing in House Judiciary Committee A, Sub bill with minor change passed
- February 11, 2026: House floor vote. Passed 117-2
- February 12, 2026: Transmitted to Senate
- February 191, 2026 : Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee A
- March 3, 2026: Dead. Died in committee
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SB2727 Summary: Amends Mississippi SHBB law to “clarify” that placaement of an infant in a baby abandonment box is termination of parental rights; removes reference to person designated by a parent; appears to prohibit authorities from following due diligence in locating parent(s) or family members. Age limit: 45 days or less; State Appropriations: No; ICWA Protections: Yes; OBC Access: No. Mississippi Legislative Session: January 6-April 5, 2026. Crossover Deadline: February 13, 2026
Lead Sponsor: Sen Nicole Boyd (R)
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Center
Actions:
- January 19, 2026: Introduced; Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee A
- February 3, 2026: Dead. Died in committee
NEW MEXICO
SB 206 Summary: 5th attempt. Amends New Mexico safe haven law to authorize use of baby abandonment boxes; secures right to not answer any questions at drop-off location; codifies “surrender procedures at locations; prohibits Youth U& Family Services, unless there is suspected infant abuse or neglect, from following due diligence in locating parent(s) or family members. This is a short budgetary session, but Gallegos has requested that the governor let the bill be heard. Age Limit: 90 days or less. State Appropriations: No, but, grant money was previously set aside by the governor to help fund 1 box in each county. ICWA Protections: Yes, but does not include NM-ICWA, which is stronger. OBC Access: No. New Mexico Legislative Session: January 20-February 19, 2026. Crossover Deadline: February 4, 2026
Sponsor: Sen David M Gallegos (R)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc, New Mexico Family Movement
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptees United, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Bold Futures New Mexico, New Mexico ACLU, Coalition to Prevent Violence Against Native Women, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now, Saving Our Sisters, National Association of Adoptees, and Parents, Michigan Adoption Rights Coalition, Yale University Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics
Actions:
- January 20,,2026: Introduced; Referred to Senate Committees Committee
- February 19. 2026: . Dead Sine Die
VIRGINIA
HB542 Summary: Provision of abortion; informed written consent; newborn safety devices. Requires the physician or advanced practice registered nurse authorized to perform an abortion, induction, or termination to provide certain written information regarding newborn safety devices for the purposes of effectuating a pregnant woman’s informed written consent prior to the abortion. Virginia’s SHBB law went into effect July 1, 2022. It has 1 box. Virginia Legislative Session: January 14-March 14, 2026. Crossover Deadline: Feruary 17, 2026
Lead Sponsor: Del Karen Hamilton (R)
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Viginia
Actions:
- January 13, 2026: Prefiled; Referred to House Health and Human Services Committee
- January 21, 2026: Assigned to House Health Subcommittee
- February 10, 2026: Dead. Died in committee, 7-1
- February 18 2026: Left in the House Health and Human Services Committee. Probably will not be resuscitated.
Updated: March 5, 2026