Two bills proposed for the legislative session starting Feb. 5 will provide additional criminal penalties for the abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older citizens.
Two Republican legislators, Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster and Rep. Paul DeMarco of Homewood, announced the legislation Monday in Shelby County along with the state director of Senior Services, Neal Morrison. The legislation is recommended by the Alabama Interagency Council for Prevention of Elder Abuse and is backed by the governor.
The bills would apply to victims who are 60 or older.
One bill would set up misdemeanor and felony penalties for abusing or neglecting the elderly. Another bill would establish misdemeanor and felony penalties for exploiting the elderly through deception, intimidation, undue influence, force or threat of force.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
