This bill amends the existing law on endangering the welfare of a child by expanding the definition of violative conduct. Specifically, it removes the requirement that the endangerment must be done "purposely" and introduces new provisions that classify certain actions as endangering a child's welfare. These include tattooing or branding a child under 18, placing a child for adoption in violation of specific regulations, soliciting a child under 16 for sexual activity, and engaging in conduct that places a child in danger of serious bodily injury or death. Additionally, the bill establishes that causing serious bodily injury or death to a child under 18 also constitutes endangerment.

The bill further categorizes the severity of offenses, stipulating that violations resulting in serious bodily injury or death are classified as a class A felony, while other specified violations are classified as class B felonies. It also defines a "pattern" of violations and clarifies that individuals acting in accordance with certain religious tenets are not guilty under this section. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local judicial and correctional systems due to the changes in criminal penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 639:3