Michigan | Stop Baby Boxes Now!

Overview of Michigan law, statistics, legislation, and news stories related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the state.

Law

No law has been enacted to authorize installation of baby boxes in Michigan.
Bill was passed in 2018 but was vetoed by Governor Rick Snyder
Veto letter

Legislation

2024

B627 carried-over to 2023. Gov Gretchen Whitmer reportedly will veto bill if passed. We have written her to confirm and are waiting for response.
Baby drop boxes proposed across Michigan in new bill, WJBK-TV, February 7, 2024
Lawmaker looks to expand Michigan’s Safe Delivery of Newborns Law, WSYM-TV, March 27, 2024

2023

SB627: Amends state safe haven law to include use of “newborn safety devices. Box sites must be open 24/7; Dept. of Health and Human Service. 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:
(i) The known date and time of surrender of the newborn.
(ii) The address of the location of surrender of the newborn.
(iii) Name and contact information.
(iv) Family medical information.
(v) Whether or not the information provided may be shared with
the child and prospective adoptive parent.

SB 629 introduced at the same time only adds baby boxes to the current safe haven law.

Hayes Township Resolution in support SHBB installation passed, June 16, 2023 (Home Rule)

2022 (all filed late in 2021 session)

SB0708. Authorizes use of “newborn safety devices” in Safe Haven surrenders. Pending
SB0709. Extends state laws regarding deaths to include death of an infant born alive and surrended under “safety device law.” Deceased infant shall be listed as “Baby Doe” and no information that would directly ID infant or parents will be reported. Pending.
SB0710. Modifies definition of newborn and allows surrender by baby box. Pending
SB0711.Authorizes use of baby box to be used in Safe Haven surrenders; extends age of legal surrender from 72 hours to 10 days. Pending

2020

HB4524 HB 4526 Sine Die

2019

HB4524 HB4526 – Authorizes use of newborn safety device at hospitals. Held over to 2020

Monica Kelsey, Founder and CEO of SHBB Inc commenting on Gov. Rick Snyder’s veto of HB5750/5751, Facebook, “Tumber Tuesday,” June 13, 2023 : “total douche.” (49:42)

However, I do not believe it is appropriate to allow for parents to surrender a baby by simply depositing the baby into a device,l rather than physically handing the baby to a uniformed police, fire or hospital employee. Gov. Rick Snyder, Veto Letter, December 27,l2018