The proposed bill aims to revise the offense of endangering the welfare of children by explicitly defining actions that constitute this offense. It establishes that a person commits this offense if they expose a child to marijuana or dangerous drugs, assist a child in entering an adult-use dispensary, or facilitate a child's involvement in human trafficking or the production of dangerous drugs. The bill amends Section 45-5-622 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include these specific actions as violations of the duty of care, protection, or support owed to a child.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the penalties for those convicted of endangering the welfare of children, with increased fines and imprisonment terms for repeat offenders and those whose actions result in serious bodily injury to a child. It also allows for the introduction of various forms of evidence related to the violation of care duties, such as neglect and abuse. The legal language has been updated to reflect these changes, including the insertion of definitions and specific actions that constitute endangerment, while deleting outdated references to methamphetamine exposure.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-622