The bill amends Section 22.041(c-1) of the Penal Code to expand the definition of the criminal offense of endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual by including specific conduct involving controlled substances. It establishes a presumption that 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 into the body of a person in the presence of the vulnerable individual. Additionally, it specifies that the proximity or accessibility of these substances, along with the presence of such substances in the bodily fluids of the vulnerable individual, can also indicate endangerment.

The bill also clarifies that the changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the 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 effective date will not be subject to the new provisions.

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