HB 473 · 2025 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
Child exposure to controlled substances
AI-generatedcriminalizing 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.
Expands the criminal statute covering exposure of children to methamphetamine to cover all controlled substances, except those lawfully prescribed, and authorizes protective custody for screening and testing.AI-generated
Status
Signed into law · July 22, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Analysis
This bill expands the criminal statute criminalizing exposing children to methamphetamine and allowing for law enforcement to take a child into protective custody for screening or testing for criminal exposure to methamphetamine to cover all controlled substances, except those possessed pursuant to a lawful prescription.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Rep. Bill BoydRClerk· Public Works and Highways
- Rep. Debra DeSimoneRChair· Children and Family Law
- Rep. Peter PetrignoDRanking Member· Children and Family Law
- Rep. Kimberly RiceRVice Chair· Children and Family Law
- Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
- Sen. Victoria SullivanRVice Chair· Children and Family Law
Also: Rep. Charles FooteR, Rep. Alicia GreggD, Rep. Jay MarkellR, Rep. Charles McMahonR, Rep. John SellersR, Sen. Pat LongD
Public testimony
40 signed in online · 4 wrote testimony
90% support10% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“This Bill is strongly supported. Seems like many years ago that Meth was the only problem!”
“This Bill is important to protect and support children that are or could be endangered”
“My work with loved ones of addicted persons proves that early exposure to illegal drugs is responsible for some children becoming dependent on these drugs that are available in the home, it’s a tragedy that needs intervention to save the futures of these children!”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Hearings
- 2025-02-0610:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearingcancelled
- 2025-02-1210:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearing
- 2025-03-0710:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearing
- 2025-04-249:30 amSenate Children and Family LawSH 103Public hearing
Legislative history
- Jan 9, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 3 P. 12
- Feb 6, 2025House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 02/06/2025 03:00 pm LOB 202-204
- Feb 12, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/12/2025 03:00 pm LOB 202-204
- Mar 7, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 03/07/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
- Mar 7, 2025House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0430h 03/07/2025 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 17 P. 9
- Mar 26, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0430h: AA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 12
- Mar 26, 2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0430h: MA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 12
- Mar 27, 2025SenIntroduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Children and Family Law; SJ 10
- Apr 24, 2025SenHearing: 04/24/2025, Room 103, SH, 10:00 am; SC 17
- May 8, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 05/08/2025; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 20
- May 8, 2025SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/08/2025; SJ 12
- Jun 12, 2025SenEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2731e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/12/2025); SJ 17
- Jun 12, 2025HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2731e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 25
- Jun 26, 2025SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
- Jun 26, 2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 58
- Jul 15, 2025HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 189; eff.01/01/2026 HJ 18
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
- Introducedversion
- As Amended by the Houseversion
- Adopted by both chambersversion
- Chaptered (final law)version
- Amendment 2025-0430hamendment
- Amendment 2025-2731EBAamendment
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.