SB103 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Roger Bedford, Jr.

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Bill HoltzclawGerald O. Dial

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Abuse of protected persons, felony penalty increased to Class A felony if protected person being abused is an honorably discharged or retired veteran, Sec. 38-9-7 am'd.

Summary

SB103 would make abusing protected veterans in nursing homes or similar facilities a Class A felony.

What This Bill Does

The bill raises the penalty for abusing a protected person to a Class A felony if the protected person is an honorably discharged or retired veteran. It retains the current penalties for other types of abuse (such as Class B or Class C felonies, or misdemeanors when applicable) but increases them specifically when the victim is a veteran. It also notes that the bill creates or changes a crime, which has implications under a constitutional funding rule, but it is exempt from those funding requirements; the bill becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Protected persons who are honorably discharged or retired veterans living in nursing homes, mental institutions, developmental centers, or other convalescent care facilities, who would face Class A felony charges if abused.
• Care facilities and their staff or administrators who care for protected persons, since violations against veteran residents could result in higher felony charges and stricter enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 38-9-7 to increase felony penalties to Class A if the protected person being abused is an honorably discharged or retired veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
• Defines protected persons to include residents of nursing homes, mental institutions, developmental centers for people with intellectual disabilities, or other convalescent care facilities, with penalties described for various forms of abuse.
• Provides that all felony penalties under this section are increased to Class A when the protected person is a veteran.
• Notes that the bill is treated as affecting local funds under Amendment 621, but it is exempt from those requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses