23-04-2025
Elder cruelty, exploitation bill advances in Louisiana criminal justice committee
BATON ROUGE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Members of the House Criminal Justice Committee advanced a bill that will provide additional protections for elderly Louisiana residents who are exposed to cruelty or exploitation.
House Bill 363, authored by Representative Vincent Cox, provides an amendment to R.S. 14:93.3. Currently, the law outlines the crime of cruelty to persons with infirmities and exploitation of persons with infirmities. The proposal in HB363 changes 'aged' to 'elderly' and defines elderly as any individual sixty years of age or older.
The proposed law targets anyone, including caregivers, whose actions might cause unjustifiable pain, malnourishment, or suffering to a person with an infirmity, a disabled adult, or an elderly person. Also included in the law are persons who reside in nursing homes, a facility for people with intellectual disabilities, mental health facilities, a hospital, or a residential facility.
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Committee members overwhelmingly supported the bill, and the only objection was that the penalties were not harsh enough for the dubious crime of mistreating those who struggle to help themselves.
If the bill passes anyone found guilty would face a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than 10 years or both with at least one year served without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence when the act of cruelty was determined to be intentional and malicious. A second or subsequent offense would result in an increased fine.
Those convicted would also be ordered to make full restitution to the victim or to anyone who has suffered financial losses as a result of the offense.
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