Senate Bill 15 aims to enhance protections for adults at risk by increasing penalties for crimes committed against them, establishing new procedures for restraining orders, and allowing courts to freeze assets of defendants charged with financial exploitation. The bill reclassifies acts of sexual misconduct against adults at risk from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, regardless of the perpetrator's knowledge of the victim's status. Additionally, it extends existing penalties for physical abuse of elder persons to include adults at risk, and allows for increased prison terms based on the victim's status, irrespective of the defendant's awareness.

The bill also modifies the process for obtaining restraining orders, permitting adults at risk to participate in hearings via telephone or audiovisual means. It introduces new definitions and legal language to clarify the status of adults at risk, ensuring they receive the same protections as elder persons under various statutes. Key amendments include the renumbering and amendment of existing laws, as well as the creation of new provisions to address the needs of adults at risk, thereby strengthening the legal framework surrounding their protection.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 343.12(7)(c)9j, 343.12, 813.12(5b), 813.12, 813.123(6g), 813.123, 813.125(5b), 813.125, 911.01(4)(c), 911.01, 939.623(title), 939.623, 939.623(2)(intro.), 939.623(3), 940.198(title), 940.198, 940.198(1)(b), 940.198(2)(a), 940.198(2)(b)