Gov. Heineman Calls Special Safe Haven Session
OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman called a special legislative session in the wake of numerous abandoned children at Nebraska hospitals, saying the law needs to be rewritten to focus on its original intent -- protecting infants.
Most state senators had expressed their support of an amendment but Heineman initially resisted calling a special session, citing cost and scheduling conflicts in convening the lawmakers. Heineman's office estimated the cost at $80,000.
But after four children were abandoned since Monday -- two within hours on Tuesday -- the governor's reaction came as little surprise.
Most of the state lawmakers have already agreed to put an age limit of 3 days old on the state's unique Safe Haven law. The law was aimed at infants but has no age limit.
Twenty-three children have been dropped off at Nebraska hospitals since the law took effect in July. Nebraks's unique Safe Haven law provides prosecution protection for caretakers who abandon children of any age.
Most state senators had expressed their support of an amendment but Heineman initially resisted calling a special session, citing cost and scheduling conflicts in convening the lawmakers. Heineman's office estimated the cost at $80,000.
But after four children were abandoned since Monday -- two within hours on Tuesday -- the governor's reaction came as little surprise.
Most of the state lawmakers have already agreed to put an age limit of 3 days old on the state's unique Safe Haven law. The law was aimed at infants but has no age limit.
Twenty-three children have been dropped off at Nebraska hospitals since the law took effect in July. Nebraks's unique Safe Haven law provides prosecution protection for caretakers who abandon children of any age.