EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN DRUGS AS CHILD ABUSE

HB 84 defines exposure of a child to Schedule I/II controlled substances (including fentanyl) during pregnancy as child abuse, directly affecting parents or caregivers who use illegal drugs during pregnancy and newborns exposed to those substances. The bill requires healthcare providers to report substance-exposed newborns to the Children, Youth and Families Department and mandates "plans of safe care" for these infants. It updates the definition of "neglected child" and specifies that lawful prescription use does not trigger the abuse classification. The law creates new reporting protocols and temporary custody provisions for infants at risk due to prenatal drug exposure.