DE SB234

Establishes three degrees of child abuse offenses: third degree (class A misdemeanor) for recklessly or intentionally causing physical injury to a child; second degree (class G felony) for injuring children 3 years or younger, children with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities, or using a deadly weapon; and first degree (class B felony) for causing serious physical injury through abuse or neglect

Expands the mental state required for endangering the welfare of a child from "knowingly" to include "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly," broadening prosecution ability for parents who fail to protect children from abuse by others

Adds new offense for providing or permitting a child to consume or inhale controlled substances not prescribed to them by a physician

Redefines "physical injury" to a child as any impairment of physical condition or pain, and "serious physical injury" as injury creating risk of death, disfigurement, impairment of health, or loss of bodily organ function

Establishes that 2 or more incidents of abuse and/or neglect constitute a "previous pattern," and prior convictions are not required to prosecute or prove such a pattern