EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN DRUGS AS CHILD ABUSE

HB 303 defines exposure of a child to Schedule I or II controlled substances (like opioids or methamphetamine) as child abuse under New Mexico law. It directly affects parents or caregivers who knowingly allow children to be exposed to these drugs, including newborns testing positive due to prenatal drug exposure. The bill creates specific provisions allowing hospital staff to temporarily place affected newborns (under 72 hours old) into protective custody without a court order if they show withdrawal symptoms or are in drug-manufacturing environments. This amends existing child abuse statutes to clarify that drug exposure constitutes abuse, with penalties ranging from third-degree felony for first offenses to first-degree felony if harm occurs.