OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Another proposed law would criminalize exposing children and dependents to fentanyl.

SB 5071 changes a current statute around exposing dependent people to illicit substances, naming fentanyl and synthetic opioids specifically.

If passed, the addendum would make it so those that expose someone “knowingly or recklessly” to these drugs could be found guilty of a class B felony.

Currently, the law names only methamphetamine and its related byproducts and active ingredients as grounds for that felony charge.

The bill also adds text to protect the state Department of Children, Youth and Families and its staff from being held criminally liable in such cases when they were working within their prescribed roles.