Bill > HB1066

This bill modifies the legal definition of a "dangerous felony" and updates the offense of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree. Specifically, the bill adds "endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree" to the list of dangerous felonies, which are serious crimes that carry enhanced penalties. The bill also expands the existing law by adding specific provisions related to manufacturing or handling dangerous drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil in the presence of children. Under the new provisions, if the offense involves fentanyl or carfentanil, it becomes a class C felony with a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence, with additional restrictions such as no possibility of sentence suspension, no fine in lieu of imprisonment, and no eligibility for conditional release or parole until at least five years have been served. The bill maintains the existing graduated penalties for child endangerment based on the severity of harm, ranging from a class D felony for basic offenses to a class A felony if the child dies, with intermediate levels for cases involving physical injury or repeated offenses.