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 new subdivision (d)(2) also specifies that a person is considered to have endangered a child if they unlawfully possess certain potent opioids, including fentanyl and its analogs, in the child's presence. This legislative change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child endangerment in the context of drug-related offenses, 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)