The bill amends Section 726.6 of the Iowa Code, which pertains to child endangerment. It introduces a clear definition of "child" as any person under eighteen years of age and removes references to "minors" throughout the section. The bill outlines various actions that constitute child endangerment, including knowingly creating substantial risks to a child's health or safety, using unreasonable force, depriving a child of necessary provisions, and allowing a child to be present in dangerous situations, among others.

Additionally, the bill specifies penalties for different levels of child endangerment, including class B felonies for actions resulting in a child's death, class C felonies for serious injury, and class D felonies for bodily injury or other violations. It also clarifies that a person who commits child endangerment that does not fall under the more severe categories is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child endangerment by refining definitions and clarifying penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 726.6