The bill amends Section 726.6 of the Iowa Code, which pertains to child endangerment. It introduces a definition of "child" as any person under eighteen years of age and removes references to "minors" throughout the section. The bill specifies that a person who is a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child commits child endangerment if they engage in actions that create substantial risk to the child's physical, mental, or emotional health, among other specified behaviors.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the penalties associated with child endangerment, categorizing offenses into various classes of felonies and misdemeanors based on the severity of the harm caused to the child. It establishes that a person who commits child endangerment resulting in death is guilty of a class B felony, while those causing serious injury face a class C felony charge, and those causing bodily injury or committing lesser offenses are guilty of a class D felony or aggravated misdemeanor. The changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding child endangerment and ensure better protection for children.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 726.6