A bill expanding Georgia's Safe Haven law is on its way to Governor Brian Kemp after passing both chambers of the General Assembly last week.
The legislation allows hospitals, fire stations, and police stations to install medical-grade baby surrender boxes on their exteriors. Under existing state law, a mother can surrender a child up to 30 days after birth at one of these locations without facing prosecution. The new bill adds the physical infrastructure to make that process safer and more accessible.
The boxes are equipped with security cameras and an automated system that triggers a 911 call when a child is placed inside. The infant is then transported to a hospital and placed into the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services.
Local governments will not bear the cost of the units. Communities that wish to install a box must fundraise independently.
Brittany Almon, who helped advocate for the legislation, has a personal connection to the cause. She became an adoptive mother in 2022 to a boy surrendered under Georgia's current Safe Haven law.
Governor Kemp has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill.
