Bill > SB5071

This bill updates the state's endangerment with a controlled substance statute to include fentanyl or synthetic opioids, meaning a person can be found guilty if they knowingly or recklessly allow a child or dependent adult to be exposed to, ingest, inhale, absorb, or have contact with these substances, or with methamphetamine. The bill also clarifies that employees of the department of children, youth, and families acting within their scope of duty are exempt from liability under this law. Additionally, it modifies provisions related to the parenting sentencing alternative, a program designed to allow eligible parents convicted of certain offenses to serve their sentence in the community rather than in prison, by making it mandatory for courts to grant this alternative if a defendant qualifies and has not previously been convicted of endangerment with a controlled substance, while still allowing courts discretion if there's a prior conviction.