2008
Legislative Bill 157 was introduced in the 2008 Legislative Session. LB 157 was passed on Final Reading, February 7, 2008, by the vote of 41-1-7.
The full text of LB 157 reads: "No person shall be prosecuted for any crime based solely upon the act of leaving a child in the custody of an employee on duty at a hospital licensed by the State of Nebraska. The hospital shall promptly contact appropriate authorities to take custody of the child."
LB 157 did not provide an age limit for which a person would drop off a child at a hospital and not be prosecuted.
In a 2008 Special Session of the Legislature, Legislative Bill 1 was introduced. LB 1 limits the age of a child who a person can drop off at a hospital and not be prosecuted to the age of 30 days or younger. Forty-three senators voted for the final version of LB 1. It was signed by Governor Heineman on November 21, 2008.
2024
Governor Pillen approved Legislative Bill 876 on April 15, 2024. LB 876 amends the current law, Nebraska Revised Statute 29-121, which allows infants thirty days old or younger to be left with an employee on duty at a licensed hospital.
The new law, effective
July 19, 2024, states that no person shall be prosecuted for any crime based solely upon the act of leaving a child
ninety days old or younger in the custody of an employee on duty at:
- A hospital licensed by the State of Nebraska;
- A staffed fire station;
- A staffed law enforcement agency; or
- An emergency care provider.
LB 876 also provides funding to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for a public information program.
Historical Documents
Archived News Releases
Special Legislative Session Documents
Additional Documents