Enacts new GS 14-34.11, criminal prenatal narcotic drug use, providing that a woman can be prosecuted for assault under GS 14-33(a) for illegal use of a narcotic drug while pregnant if her child is born addicted to or harmed by the narcotic drug and the addiction or harm is a result of her illegal use of a narcotic drug taken while pregnant.
Provides that active enrollment in an addiction recovery program before the child was born, continued participation in the program after delivery, and successful completion of the program is an affirmative defense to the prosecution for assault.
Provides limitations on the application of the new provisions, including that it does not apply to any lawful act or omission by a pregnant woman in regards to an unborn child or any lawful medical or surgical procedure performed by a health care professional licensed to perform such procedures.
Effective December 1, 2015, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.
PRENATAL NARCOTIC DRUG USE/CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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View NCGA Bill Details(link is external) | 2015-2016 Session |
AN ACT TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF PRENATAL NARCOTIC DRUG USE.Intro. by B. Jackson, Pate.
Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Mar 18 2015)
Bill History:
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Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Senate: Filed(link is external)
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Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Senate: Passed 1st Reading(link is external)
S 297
Bill Summaries:
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Bill S 297 (2015-2016)Summary date: Mar 17 2015 - View Summary
View: All Summaries for Bill