The proposed bill aims to enhance public safety by criminalizing the endangerment of children and vulnerable adults in relation to fentanyl. It introduces a new section in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 152, which defines key terms such as "child," "fentanyl," and "vulnerable adult." The bill prohibits individuals from engaging in activities involving fentanyl in the presence of these groups, including manufacturing, possessing, or exposing them to the substance. Violators of these provisions would face felony charges, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of up to $10,000.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for protective custody and reporting maltreatment. Peace officers are authorized to take children into protective custody if they are present in areas where fentanyl-related activities occur, and they must provide health screenings for potential exposure. The bill also mandates that peace officers report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults under similar circumstances. The effective date for this legislation is set for August 1, 2024, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.