On an 18-2 vote, the Alaska State Senate passed Senate Bill 9 on March 31, which establishes dedicated locations to install and maintain infant safety devices, also known as “baby boxes,” to provide an additional option for struggling parents who want to safely surrender infants in times of crisis.

The only Senators to vote against the bill were Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) and Loki Tobin (D-Anchorage).

In less than 15 years, Alaska has seen two deaths from abandoned babies.

“No child should die because a parent is afraid,” said bill sponsor Senator Robb Myers (R – North Pole).

The safety devices allow parents to anonymously relinquish an infant. The boxes then hold the baby in a climate-controlled environment with an automatic lock and constant video surveillance while immediately alerting emergency services. Devices may be located in fire stations, hospitals, birth centers, municipal police departments, rural health clinics, state trooper posts, or other emergency facilities.

The bill would allow Alaska to join 22 other states in authorizing the use of baby boxes as an expansion of an already existing safe surrender law.

Current Alaska law requires parents to surrender a newborn (21 days old or younger) to another individual – in-person – which can be a barrier for those who cannot bring themselves to relinquish their baby in this manner.

The Senate Republican Caucus issued a statement noting that it is “proud to protect babies and provide a safeguard for struggling families facing potential shame, fear, and recognition during a time of crisis. All lives are precious, and SB 9 ensures children are protected while being surrendered with dignity and care.”

Sen. Myers expressed hope that the Alaska House would follow the Senate’s lead and approve the legislation.

“I’m happy to get this bill through the Senate, and I am hopeful that the House will take swift action to help us save lives,” he said.

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