Child abuse or neglect; change in requirement for 'safe haven' law pertaining to infants. (SB22)
Introduced By
Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth)
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Description
Protection of infants. Adds a requirement that a baby that is delivered to a qualifying hospital or rescue squad in order for the parent to have an affirmative defense to prosecution for abuse or neglect be delivered in a manner that is reasonably calculated to ensure the child's safety. The 2003 "safe haven" legislation provided that when a parent voluntarily delivers a child no older than 14 days to a hospital or rescue squad, the parent will have an affirmative defense to prosecution for abuse or neglect, if the abuse or neglect prosecution is based solely upon having left the baby at such facility. Amends § 18.2-371 (“Causing or encouraging acts rendering children delinquent, abused, etc.; penalty; abandoned infant.”), § 18.2-371.1 (“Abuse and neglect of children; penalty; abandoned infant.”), § 40.1-103 (“Cruelty and injuries to children; penalty; abandoned infant.”), of the Code of Virginia. View Full Text »
Status
05/18/2006: signed by governor
View Bill's History
