MS HB1539

Amends Section 43-15-203 of the Mississippi Code to establish procedures for handling infants relinquished to adoption agencies, hospitals, and emergency medical services providers.

Requires adoption agencies that accept a relinquished infant to immediately transport the child to a hospital for physical examination and take custody within 48 hours, or notify the Department of Child Protection Services if unable to accept custody.

Establishes a rotating list system where the Department contacts licensed adoption agencies within 8 hours of notification to secure custody; if no agency accepts the child within 48 hours, the Department assumes custody.

Requires hospitals receiving relinquished infants to immediately contact law enforcement and the Department of Public Safety to determine if the child is reported missing and perform due diligence for family reunification.

Limits these procedures to unharmed children 45 days of age or younger with no allegation of neglect or abuse; older or harmed children trigger standard Department custody procedures.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.