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SB 256 - This act modifies provisions relating to the Safe Place for Newborns Act of 2002. Under current law, a parent will not be prosecuted for the abandonment of a child up to 5 days old if he or she leaves the child in the custody of a medical facility staff member, provider or volunteer, a firefighter or emergency medical technician or with a law enforcement officer. This act increases that time period to up to 45 days after birth. No parent voluntarily relinquishing a child will be required to release any identifying information about the child or parent. No officer, employee, or agent of this state or any political subdivision can attempt to locate or determine the identity of a parent or disclose identifying information except in certain cases. This act also specifies that the affirmative defense to prosecution for the abandonment of a child shall only be allowed for a defendant who voluntarily relinquishes a child no more than one year old and moves this provision from Section 210.950.3 to 210.950.11. This act is similar to provisions in HB 1568 (2012) and to provisions contained in HCS/SCS/SB 758 (2012). ADRIANE CROUSE
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