2019 House Bill 4254

Authorize enhanced penalty for harming a vulnerable individual

Introduced in the House

Feb. 26, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-36)

To authorize penalties ranging from one year to 25 years in prison depending on the level of injury for committing an assault in which the victim meets a legal definition of vulnerable or "elder" adult, or restraining such a person through violence, menace, fraud, or deceit. These penalties would be in addition to any imposed for assault or similar crimes. The 25 year sentence would apply if the victim is killed. This and related bills add a new class of "elder adult” (those age 80 and above) to laws that already authorize enhanced sentences for harming or defrauding a "vulnerable adult," defined as a person 18 or older who requires care and supervision due to age, a developmental disability, mental illness, or a physical disability.

Referred to the Committee on Families, Children and Seniors

Sept. 18, 2019

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Judiciary.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Feb. 11, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Feb. 25, 2020

Passed in the House 91 to 16 (details)

Received in the Senate

Feb. 26, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety