The Alaska Senate has passed legislation that would legalize the use of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, devices designed to provide a secure and anonymous way for parents to surrender newborns and prevent dangerous abandonment situations.

The bill cleared the chamber on an 18-2 vote, with Sens. Bert Stedman, a Republican from Sitka, and Löki Tobin, a Democrat from Anchorage, voting against the measure. The proposal now moves to the Alaska House for further consideration.

Sponsored by Republican Sen. Robb Myers, the legislation would expand Alaska’s existing Safe Haven law by allowing the installation of temperature-controlled baby boxes at locations such as fire stations, hospitals, and police departments. The devices are built into exterior walls and allow a parent to safely and anonymously place a newborn inside. Once the door is closed, it locks automatically, and an alarm alerts personnel inside to retrieve the infant.

Alaska’s current Safe Haven law, enacted in 2008, allows parents to surrender newborns up to 21 days old in person to designated facilities. According to Myers, the state has averaged about one safe surrender per year under the existing system.

Despite that option, cases of infant abandonment have still occurred. Since 2013, three infants have been found abandoned in Alaska, including two who were found dead and one discovered alive in Fairbanks during winter conditions.

Supporters of the bill argue that the boxes remove barriers that may prevent parents from seeking help, including fear, shame, or concern about being recognized. By offering a fully anonymous option, they say the devices could save lives.

The proposal has received backing from groups including the Anchorage Fire Department, the Alaska Children’s Trust, and officials in Fairbanks.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes were first introduced in Indiana and have expanded nationwide, with more than 400 locations currently in operation. Dozens of infants have been safely surrendered using the devices, while additional parents have utilized traditional haven options with support from national hotlines and counseling services.

If approved by the Alaska House, the measure would make Alaska the latest state to adopt the technology as part of broader efforts to prevent infant abandonment and improve child welfare outcomes.