Alaska becomes the 27th state to authorize baby boxes

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 9 on Sept. 9, 2026, expanding the state’s Safe Haven law to include infant safety devices such as Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The move opens a new surrender option for parents in crisis and starts a push to find Alaska fire departments and community partners willing to host installations.

Why it matters: - Alaska now offers another legal surrender option for parents in crisis. - The new law allows infant safety devices under the state’s Safe Haven surrender law. - Safe Haven Baby Boxes says the change gives newborns another path to safety and reduces the risk of illegal abandonment.

What happened: - Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 9 on Sept. 9, 2026. - The legislation makes Alaska the 27th state to authorize baby boxes. - The law expands Alaska’s Safe Haven law to include infant safety devices. - Safe Haven Baby Boxes is now seeking Alaska fire departments and community partners to host Baby Boxes.

The details: - Safe Haven Baby Boxes said the legislation opens the door for another option for parents in crisis. - The organization thanked Sen. Robb Myers, who sponsored Senate Bill 9, and Rep. Frank Tomaszewski, who carried the bill in the House. - Safe Haven Baby Boxes also recognized legislators, advocates, first responders, volunteers, and community members who supported the effort. - The organization says it has 470 Baby Boxes across the United States. - Safe Haven Baby Boxes says its national crisis hotline has received more than 10,000 calls. - The group also provides crisis support, education, and first responder training. - Baby Boxes are installed in exterior walls at designated facilities. - Each box has an exterior door that locks automatically when a newborn is placed inside. - Each box also has an interior door that allows responders to retrieve the infant from inside the building. - Parents in crisis can call or text 1-866-99BABY1, available 24/7. - The organization can be reached at pam@safehavenbabyboxes.com or through this form.

Between the lines: - Alaska’s signing is part of a broader state-level push to normalize safe surrender infrastructure. - The next phase depends less on the law and more on local implementation, financing, and facility partners. - Fire stations are likely to be central because the organization is explicitly seeking fire chiefs and departments to host boxes. - Community groups can still influence rollout by helping identify sponsors, raise funds, and build local awareness.

What's next: - Safe Haven Baby Boxes wants Alaska fire chiefs, fire departments, and local leaders to connect about hosting a Baby Box. - Interested partners will be able to discuss installation, facility fit, training, and community education resources. - Community members, churches, businesses, and civic organizations can help introduce the effort to local departments and support fundraising. - The organization says its Alaska effort is just beginning after the law’s signing.

The bottom line: - Alaska has changed the law; now the rollout hinges on local partners willing to turn that legal option into a working resource for families.