This bill amends existing laws regarding the exposure of children to controlled substances, expanding the scope of criminal liability beyond just methamphetamine to include all controlled substances, except those legally prescribed. The title of the relevant chapter is changed from "Methamphetamine-Related Crimes" to "Controlled Drug-Related Crimes." Definitions are updated to include "controlled substance" and "chemical substance," while references to methamphetamine are replaced with broader terms. The bill also specifies that law enforcement can take a child into protective custody for screening or testing if there is suspected or actual exposure to controlled substances.

Additionally, the bill outlines prohibited conduct related to controlled substances in the presence of children or vulnerable adults, including manufacturing, storing, or disposing of controlled substances and paraphernalia. It mandates that peace officers report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect to the Department of Health and Human Services, which will investigate and screen the child for health concerns related to exposure. The bill explicitly states that it does not apply to the therapeutic use of cannabis as authorized by existing law. 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