Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 39, Chapter 13.

ABUSE Present law provides that abuse exists when a person under 18 is suffering from, has sustained, or may be in immediate danger of suffering from or sustaining a wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition caused by brutality, neglect, or other actions or inactions of a parent, relative, guardian or caretaker, relating to juvenile courts and proceedings. This bill adds to the above provision that abuse does not exist solely on the basis of a positive test result for cannabinoids on a prenatal or newborn drug screening. SEVERE CHILD ABUSE Present law provides that one of the definitions of severe child abuse, except as legally prescribed to the child, includes knowingly or with gross negligence allowing a child under eight to ingest an illegal substance or a controlled substance that results in the child testing positive on a drug screen, relating to juvenile courts and proceedings. This bill adds that the above definition applies except due to exposure to cannabinoids that occurred in utero or as legally prescribed to the child.