Alaska Legislature passes the use of infant safety devices

Sen. Robb Myers, R-North Pole, is seen during a press conference on Feb. 12, 2026, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

The Alaska Legislature authorized the use of infant safety devices across the state on Monday evening in a House vote of 35-5.

Senate Bill 9 by Sen. Robb Myers, R-North Pole, allows for infant safety devices or “baby boxes” at designated locations within the state, such as hospitals, fire and police stations, birth centers, rural health clinics, or a state trooper post. It passed the Senate in March

Baby boxes allow parents to anonymously and safely surrender an infant 21 days or younger and are utilized in 22 other states. The devices will be equipped with 24-hour video surveillance and are climate-controlled.

“SB 9 puts another tool in the kit to help parents in crisis and keep babies in safe environments instead of the side of the road,” Myers said in a prepared statement.

Rep. Frank Tomaszewski, R-Fairbanks, carried the bill in the House. He said the legislation offers a secure, judgment-free option.

“If this bill provides comfort and safety to even one mother and her baby, then every ounce of effort to pass it was worth it,” Tomaszewski said in a prepared statement.

The bill now heads to the governor's desk for consideration.

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.