This bill amends the legal framework surrounding the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent person by changing the required mental state from "knowingly" to "recklessly." Specifically, it modifies RSA 639:3, I to state that a person is guilty of this crime if they recklessly endanger the welfare of a child under 18 years of age or an incompetent person by recklessly violating a duty of care, protection, or support owed to them, or by inducing them to engage in conduct that endangers their health or safety. The bill also removes the term "purposely" from the previous language, further emphasizing the shift in the mental state required for prosecution.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments, particularly concerning expenditures related to the judicial and correctional systems. The bill may influence costs associated with prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole, although specific revenue impacts are projected to be zero. Various agencies, including the Judicial Branch and the Department of Justice, have been consulted regarding the potential implications of these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 651:6
As Amended by the House: 639:3