HB 348 Summary

• Creates new criminal offense "Crime Against the Vulnerable or Infirm" that applies when specified crimes are committed against vulnerable adults or infirm adults.

• Defines "vulnerable adult" as a person 18+ who can be influenced to act against their interests due to coercion, intimidation, fear, dependency, mental/physical limitations, illness, or disability.

• Defines "infirm adult" as a person 18+ substantially impaired in ability to provide for their own care due to physical or mental disability, per Chapter 39 of Title 31.

• Enhances penalties for 60+ enumerated offenses when victim is vulnerable or infirm: upgrades misdemeanors to higher classes, upgrades felonies one class higher (except Class A/B felonies which remain same class but double minimum sentence requirement).

• Eliminates defendant knowledge as a defense; prohibits double conviction if the underlying offense already has vulnerable/infirm status as a charged element.