(Kodiak) - Representative Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Kodiak) has pre-filed a bill with the Alaska State Legislative Clerk's Office which would protect people from criminal prosecution if they leave their infant with designated members of the community.

The bill would bring Alaska law in line with other states in an effort to encourage people not to abandon newborn babies that they do not want to raise. If this legislation passes, it would allow parents to leave an infant with a peace officer, physician, hospital employee, fire station employee or emergency medical services staff member. By doing so, the parent will not be criminally prosecuted, even if they don't have any intent to return for the child.

"My intention with this legislation is to provide every opportunity to insure a newborn infant's safety and wellbeing," said Representative LeDoux.

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