Bill > HB473

This bill expands existing law to criminalize exposure of children to all controlled substances (not just methamphetamine), while maintaining an exception for substances possessed under a valid prescription. The legislation broadens the definition of prohibited conduct to include manufacturing, storing, or disposing of controlled substances, chemical substances, or related paraphernalia in locations where children or vulnerable adults might reasonably be present, such as residences, school zones, and public accommodations. It gives law enforcement the authority to take a child into protective custody if they are present in an area where these prohibited activities are occurring, and mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services investigate and potentially screen the child for health concerns related to controlled substance exposure. The bill also updates definitions to replace "methamphetamine" with "controlled substance" throughout the relevant statutes, effectively expanding the scope of the law. Importantly, the legislation includes an exemption for the therapeutic use of cannabis and will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing time for law enforcement and social services to prepare for the expanded regulations.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=729&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB473