PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden has signed House Bill 1044 into law, which introduces a new option for mothers to voluntarily surrender newborns under South Dakota’s “Safe Harbor” law. The legislation, signed today, allows emergency services providers or licensed child placement agencies to install and maintain newborn safety devices, commonly known as “baby boxes,” on their premises. These devices will be available 24/7, provided they meet specific safety standards.
Governor Rhoden emphasized the life-saving potential of the bill. “House Bill 1044 will save lives. These baby boxes have saved lives in other states,” he said.
The bill follows the tragic case of “Baby Gabriel,” a full-term infant found abandoned and deceased at a Sioux Falls recycling center in August 2023. Governor Rhoden expressed hope that the new law would reduce such tragedies, saying, “Hopefully with these baby boxes, there will be fewer ‘Baby Gabriels’ and more babies in loving homes.”
In addition to HB 1044, Governor Rhoden signed five other bills into law:
- SB 93: Prohibits contractors from paying or rebating insurance deductibles for motor vehicle repair services.
- SB 111: Allows courts to order family or reunification therapy in custody or visitation disputes.
- HB 1099: Modifies the community paramedic endorsement.
- HB 1144: Adopts the dietitian licensure compact.
- HB 1189: Extends the deadline for the reversion of funds appropriated in 2021 for marketing, route restoration, business development, and air service marketing.
Governor Rhoden has signed a total of 64 bills into law this legislative session.
Related topics:
