HB1537: Baby drop-off and safe haven; establish a direct path to adoption for infants relinquished under.

Legislative Summary

An Act To Amend Section 43-15-203, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That When A Child, Who Is Forty-five Days Of Age Or Younger And Unharmed, Is Relinquished To An Adoption Agency Pursuant To The "baby Drop-off Law" And Such Agency Desires To Take Custody Of The Child And Place The Child For Adoption, Then The Agency Must Transport The Child To The Hospital For An Exam; To Require The Agency To Contact The Department Of Child Protection Services And Inform The Department That A Child Has Been Left With The Adoption Agency And That The Agency Will Take Custody Of The Child After The Hospital Examination; To Provide The Protocol For The Handling Of A Relinquished Child For An Adoption Agency, And Other Entities, That Do Not Have The Ability To Place The Child For Adoption; To Require That Within Eight Hours After The Department Is Informed That An Entity Is Not Taking Custody Of A Child, The Department Shall Then Contact The Next Licensed Adoption Agency From Its Rotating List Until An Agency Agrees To Take Custody Of The Child; If An Adoption Agency Fails To Take Custody Of The Child, Then The Department Shall Take Custody Of The Child; To Provide That The Entity Or Person That Ultimately Takes Custody Of The Child Shall Be Responsible For All Medical Costs And Other Costs Incurred Prior To The Child Being Placed In The Care Of The Entity Or Person And Such Entity Or Person Shall Reimburse The Hospital For Such Costs; And For Related Purposes.