House Bill 1318 Summary

• Increases the age limit for babies that can be surrendered under Mississippi's "Baby Drop-Off Law" from seven (7) days old to forty-five (45) days old.

• Authorizes babies to be placed in "baby safety devices" sponsored by emergency medical services providers, with specifications including climate control, dual alarm systems, continuous staffing, and installation by licensed contractors.

• Expands authorized recipients to include any city or county that sponsors a compliant baby safety device, in addition to hospitals, adoption agencies, law enforcement, and fire stations.

• Clarifies that the Department of Child Protection Services (not Human Services) is the agency responsible for assuming custody and must check with law enforcement to determine if the infant is a missing child.

• Establishes that voluntary surrender of a child under the baby drop-off law constitutes abandonment for purposes of terminating parental rights.