HB 3251 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Provides certain immunity to a political subdivision that operates a newborn safety incubator or accepts physical custody of a child placed in a newborn safety incubator

HB 3251 grants legal immunity to political subdivisions (like cities or counties) that operate newborn safety incubators, and to hospital staff, firefighters, or law enforcement officers who accept physical custody of infants left in these incubators or with them. The bill creates a safe surrender process allowing parents to leave newborns (up to 90 days old) without prosecution for abandonment, without requiring identifying information. It also prohibits staff from attempting to identify parents or disclose their identity, and requires hospitals to notify child welfare agencies. This law directly affects local governments, healthcare facilities, and parents seeking to safely relinquish newborns.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2026 Last action May 15, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 15, 2026
Committee
Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors