HB409 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Danny CrawfordRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Infants, use of baby boxes for parents to anonymously deliver infants to hospital, emergency medical services providers, or fire dept. without liability and with immunity from child abandonment statutes, Secs. 26-25-1, 26-25-3, 26-25-4 am'd.
Summary: HB 409 would let parents anonymously deliver a very young infant to emergency medical services or fire department facilities using a special infant safety device, with legal protections for the parents.
What This Bill Does
It adds the option to use an infant safety device at EMS and fire department facilities for anonymous infant delivery. It allows EMS providers or fire facilities to take possession of the infant and take steps to protect the child's health, with immunity from related prosecutions for the parents when delivering under this system. It requires facilities to be staffed 24/7, designate a responder, and ensure the device is tested weekly and connected to 911 dispatch.

Who It Affects
Parents or guardians of very young infants who may choose to deliver the child anonymously to an EMS or fire department facility and may receive immunity from certain charges.
Emergency medical services providers and fire department facilities that would receive infants via the device, must staff 24/7, designate responders, and operate the device with required procedures.

Key Provisions
Allows use of an infant safety device at emergency medical services facilities and fire department facilities for anonymous delivery of an infant by the parent.
Defines the infant safety device as a secure, anonymous placement box that dials 911 when opened and closed, includes a video camera, and is tested weekly; 911 dispatchers notify personnel when the device is used.
Authorizes EMS providers or fire department facilities to take possession of a child who is 30 days old or younger when delivered by a parent who does not intend to return for the child.
Requires 24-hour staffing at facilities offering the device and designation of a first responder to respond if the facility is temporarily closed.
Provides an affirmative defense to certain child neglect/abandonment prosecutions for parents who deliver the child under this act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Infants