After the abandonment of about 20 children, Nebraska lawmakers have stated their desire to alter the state’s safe haven law.
‘Safe Haven’ to Be Changed in Next Legislative Session
On Monday, Oct. 20, officials in Nebraska declared that they would revise the state’s controversial “safe haven” law when the legislature reconvenes in January. Gov. Dave Heineman said, “This law has had serious, unintended consequences,” and State Sen. Mike Flood, the speaker of the legislature, indicated that at least 40 of the 49 legislators were prepared to change the wording of the law, according to The New York Times.
Nebraska’s version of the law says that the state would protect any “child” left by his or her guardians, leaving out the age limit requirement that other states mandate. Officials in Nebraska say they will make the revised law only apply to newborns up to three days old.
The governor said he could call a special session of the legislature if more incidents were to occur before next year, but he said, “I’d prefer not to do that, given how close we are to January.”