The bill amends Section 45-5-622 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the offense of endangering the welfare of children. It establishes that a person commits this offense if they knowingly expose a child to marijuana or dangerous drugs, assist a child in entering an adult-use dispensary, or facilitate a child's entry into a location associated with human trafficking or the production of dangerous drugs. The bill also clarifies that a parent or guardian does not violate their duty of care by allowing a child to engage in independent activities appropriate for their maturity.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions and penalties associated with endangering the welfare of children. It replaces specific references to methamphetamine with a broader category of dangerous drugs listed in Schedules I through V. The bill introduces new language that specifies the conditions under which a child may be considered exposed to marijuana and clarifies that incidental exposure to secondhand smoke from an adult's lawful use does not constitute a violation. The penalties for violations are also outlined, with increased consequences for repeat offenders and those whose actions result in serious bodily injury to a child.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-622
SB0261_1(1): 45-5-622
SB0261_1(2): 45-5-622
SB0261_1(3): 45-5-622
SB0261_1(4): 45-5-622
SB0261_1(5): 45-5-622
SB0261_1: 45-5-622
SB0261_2(1): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(2): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(3): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(4): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(5): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(6): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(7): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(8): 45-5-622
SB0261_2(9): 45-5-622
SB0261_2: 45-5-622
SB0261_3: 45-5-622
SB0261_X(1): 45-5-622
SB0261_X(2): 45-5-622
SB0261_X(3): 45-5-622
SB0261_X(4): 45-5-622
SB0261_X(5): 45-5-622
SB0261_X: 45-5-622