The New Mexico Indian Affairs Committee heard testimony on Thursday on a bill designed to ensure state law complies with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act .

The state's Safe Haven for Infants Act allows a person to leave a child who is no older than 90 days at a hospital without fear of prosecution on child abandonment charges. Sen. Leonard Tsosie (D) says the bill prevents hospitals from determining whether the infant is Indian and subject to tribal jurisdiction under ICWA.

The bill received a favorable recommendation by the committee and will be heard by the Public Affairs Committee before going to the full Senate.

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State law, federal law conflict (The Farmington Daily Times 1/28)