House Bill No. [insert number] aims to enhance the legal protections for elderly individuals and those with infirmities by amending existing laws related to cruelty and exploitation. The bill replaces the term "aged" with "elderly" throughout the relevant statutes, thereby explicitly recognizing elderly persons as victims of cruelty and exploitation. It defines "elderly" as individuals aged sixty years or older and clarifies the responsibilities of caregivers. The bill also introduces penalties for the financial exploitation of elderly persons, including increased fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals convicted of exploiting elderly persons or those with infirmities must make full restitution to the victims and any other parties who suffered financial losses due to the offense. This provision aims to ensure that victims are compensated for their losses, reinforcing the legal framework against exploitation. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the protections for vulnerable populations by updating terminology and enhancing penalties for crimes against them.

Statutes affected:
HB363 Original: 14:3(A)