House Bill 751 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance penalties for individuals who place children in imminent danger due to drug possession. Specifically, it modifies Section 39-15-401 by changing the reference from "subsection (d)" to "subdivision (d)(1)" and designating the existing language as subdivision (d)(1). A new subdivision (d)(2) is added, which establishes that a person who knowingly engages in conduct that endangers a child can be charged with a Class E felony. However, if the child is eight years old or younger, the offense escalates to a Class B felony.

The bill further clarifies that a person is considered to have engaged in such conduct if they unlawfully possess any amount of fentanyl, carfentanil, remifentanil, alfentanil, or thiafentanil in the presence of a child. This legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child endangerment related to drug possession, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-15-401(d)(2), 39-15-401, 39-15-401(d)