This bill amends existing laws to expand the criminal statute regarding the exposure of children to methamphetamine, broadening it to include all controlled substances, except those that are legally prescribed. The title of the relevant chapter is changed from "METHAMPHETAMINE-RELATED CRIMES" to "CONTROLLED DRUG-RELATED CRIMES." Definitions are updated to reflect this change, including the term "controlled substance," which now encompasses all controlled drugs as defined by RSA 318-B:1, and the term "chemical substance," which refers to substances used in the manufacture of controlled substances. Additionally, the bill specifies that law enforcement can take a child into protective custody for health screening if they are present in areas where activities related to controlled substances are occurring.

The bill also outlines prohibited conduct involving children and vulnerable adults, including manufacturing, storing, or disposing of controlled substances and paraphernalia in their presence. It mandates that if a peace officer suspects a child has been exposed to a controlled substance, they must report it to the Department of Health and Human Services for investigation. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to the therapeutic use of cannabis as authorized by RSA 126-X. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 639-A:1, 639-A:2, 639-A:4
As Amended by the House: 639-A:1, 639-A:2, 639-A:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 639-A:1, 639-A:2, 639-A:4