Sen. Alexander files bill in North Carolina Senate to allow newborn safety devices at emergency sites

A new bill filed by State Sen. Alexander seeks to allow installation of safety devices for newborns at qualified emergency and law enforcement facilities, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 91 on Feb. 12 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Newborn Safety Devices.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill permits the installation of newborn safety devices in qualified establishments, defined as the physical buildings of emergency departments, law enforcement agencies, or fire departments staffed around the clock. These devices, intended for infants up to 30 days old, must have a temperature-controlled interior, proper ventilation, and be affixed visibly to the exterior of the establishment. The establishments are responsible for covering installation costs, maintaining a dual alarm system, weekly system tests, and twice-daily visual inspections. They must also develop an emergency plan for immediate medical care and transport of surrendered infants. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with inspecting these devices annually and prior to operation. The bill offers immunity from civil liability or criminal prosecution to parents surrendering an infant in good faith, effective October 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Bobby Hanig proposed the most bills (18) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Alexander graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA.

Alexander, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 44th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Vickie Sawyer.