House Bill 233

Chair's Name: David Ralston

Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

House Sponsor: David Ralston

HB 233 provides clarification of what constitutes criminal exploitation of a disabled or elderly adult.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Ralston�s opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

This bill adds the definition of the term �exploitation� in Code Sections 30-5-3 and 31-8-81 to include the improper use of a disabled or elder person�s resources and/or property through undue influence, coercion, harassment, duress, deception, false representation, false pretense or other similar means

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

The protection of disabled adults and elder persons

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Strengthens our Traditional Family Structure:

By preventing the exploitation of the elderly and disabled

• Increases Personal Responsibility:

By revising the criminal offenses and penalties relating to the abuse neglect and exploitation of any disabled adult or elder person

Senate Changes:

The Senate added a new subsection which requires that performance, pricing, and outcome statistics regarding health services provided in Georgia be reported to the Department of Community Health.  In turn, the Department must create a public website comparing such statistics. The House moved to disagree with the Senate amendment.