HB372 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Louise Alexander

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Crimes and offenses, elder abuse, crime further provided, definition of emotional abuse further provided, Secs. 13A-6-191, 13A-6-192 am'd.

Summary

HB372 expands elder abuse laws to include sexual abuse of elders and humiliation as part of emotional abuse, elevating elder abuse in certain cases to a Class A felony, while clarifying a local-funding exemption.

What This Bill Does

It amends the elder abuse definitions to add sexual abuse of an elderly person as a basis for first-degree elder abuse. It also adds humiliation to the definition of emotional abuse toward an elderly person. Elder abuse and neglect in the first degree remains a Class A felony when it involves serious physical injury or sexual abuse. The bill states it is exempt from local-funding expenditure voting requirements because it creates or amends a crime, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after final passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Elderly persons age 60 and older, who gain stronger legal protection from abuse and exploitation.
• Caregivers and individuals responsible for elders (family members, guardians, and paid caregivers), who would be subject to updated definitions and penalties for abuse or neglect.

Key Provisions

• Adds sexual abuse of an elderly person to the crime of elder abuse and neglect in the first degree.
• Includes humiliation in the definition of emotional abuse toward an elderly person.
• Maintains elder abuse and neglect in the first degree as a Class A felony when it involves serious physical injury or sexual abuse.
• States the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one, with a new effective date set for the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses