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2003 SESSION

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SB 1057 Affirmative defense to prosecution for abuse and neglect; infant.

Introduced by: Martin E. Williams | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Affirmative defense to prosecution for abuse and neglect; infant-receiving facilities; emergency custody of abandoned children. Provides that when any person voluntarily delivers a child no older than 14 days to an approved facility, the person will have an affirmative defense to prosecution for abuse or neglect, if the abuse or neglect prosecution is based solely upon the delivery of the child to an approved facility. The person may remain anonymous. Approved facilities include hospitals and police departments. Personnel who accept these children are immune from liability absent gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Department of Social Services, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall launch a media campaign to promote safe placement alternatives for newborn infants and publicize the emergency custody for certain abandoned children procedures. The Department of Social Services is required to make an annual report to the General Assembly compiling the number of children abondoned.


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