House Bill No. introduced by a group of legislators aims to amend Section 45-5-622 of the Montana Code Annotated to expand the definition of the crime of endangering the welfare of children. The bill specifically includes exposing a child to the production or manufacture of fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine as a form of endangerment. It also stipulates that a person commits this offense if they knowingly produce or manufacture these substances in locations where a child might reasonably be present, or if they allow a child to be exposed to these drugs or related paraphernalia.

In addition to the new insertions regarding fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, the bill modifies existing language to clarify the conditions under which a person can be charged with endangering a child's welfare. Notably, it removes references to "drug" paraphernalia and specifies that the offense is a felony if it involves the production or manufacture of the aforementioned substances. The penalties for such offenses are also outlined, with increased fines and imprisonment terms for repeat offenders or cases resulting in serious bodily injury to a child.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-622
HB0289_1(1): 45-5-622
HB0289_1(2): 45-5-622
HB0289_1(3): 45-5-622
HB0289_1(4): 45-5-622
HB0289_1(5): 45-5-622
HB0289_1(6): 45-5-622
HB0289_1(7): 45-5-622
HB0289_1: 45-5-622
HB0289_2(1): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(10): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(2): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(3): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(4): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(5): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(6): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(7): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(8): 45-5-622
HB0289_2(9): 45-5-622
HB0289_2: 45-5-622
HB0289_3(1): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(2): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(3): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(4): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(5): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(6): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(7): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(8): 45-5-622
HB0289_3(9): 45-5-622
HB0289_3: 45-5-622