The 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.

Key insertions in the bill include provisions that clarify the definitions of endangerment related to marijuana exposure, adult-use dispensaries, and human trafficking. Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the exposure of children to dangerous drugs, replacing references to methamphetamine with a broader category of dangerous drugs listed in Schedules I through V. The penalties for violations are also outlined, with increased fines and imprisonment terms for repeat offenders and those whose actions result in serious bodily injury to a child.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-622
SB0261_1: 45-5-622