criminalizing multiple forms of exposing children to controlled substances and allowing law enforcement to take a child into protective custody for screening and testing in an instance of suspected or actual criminal exposure to controlled substances.

HB 473 criminalizes exposing children to controlled substances (drugs) through various means, directly affecting children whose caregivers or others intentionally place them in such situations. The bill allows law enforcement to take children into temporary custody for immediate screening and testing when criminal exposure is suspected or confirmed. Key provisions include treating the exposure as a crime and establishing a clear process for law enforcement to secure child safety through medical evaluation. The law becomes effective January 1, 2026, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025.