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NJ A4157
Bill
Status
2/19/2026
Primary Sponsor
Carol Murphy
Click for details
AI Summary
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Newly constructed State, county, or municipal police stations, fire stations (including volunteer), and licensed general hospitals must include a newborn safety device—a secure compartment with a functioning alarm for safe placement of infants
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Parents who leave a newborn (30 days old or younger) in a newborn safety device receive an affirmative defense against prosecution for child abandonment, equivalent to leaving a child with an adult employee at these facilities
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The bill removes the requirement that fire stations and ambulance/rescue squads be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to qualify for the safe haven affirmative defense, as long as the infant is left with an employee or in a safety device
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Commissioner of Community Affairs must adopt rules within three months of enactment governing installation, maintenance, and activation of the devices, including designating any additional appropriate facilities beyond police stations, fire stations, and hospitals
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Takes effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment and applies to construction permits not yet declared complete by that date
Legislative Description
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.
Children, Families and Food Security
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
2/19/2026