H.B. No. 166 amends the Penal Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding the criminal offense of endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual through specific conduct involving controlled substances. The bill introduces new provisions that presume a person is engaging in conduct that places these vulnerable individuals in imminent danger if they manufacture, possess, or introduce methamphetamine or any controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1-B in their presence. Additionally, it establishes that if a specimen from the child or individual indicates the presence of these substances, it further supports the presumption of endangerment.

The bill also clarifies that the changes apply only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning that any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law. This ensures that individuals charged with offenses prior to the enactment of this bill will not be subject to the new legal standards. Overall, H.B. No. 166 aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations by addressing the dangers posed by controlled substances in their environments.

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