IL HB2103

Expands the definition of "caregiver" under Illinois criminal law to include relatives by blood or marriage who would have reason to believe they are relied upon for primary and substantial assistance for physical care based on the elderly person's or person with disability's actions, statements, or behavior.

Adds a new category of caregiver: persons who have voluntarily assumed responsibility for care of an elderly person or person with a disability if their conduct would lead a reasonable person to believe that failure to provide such care would adversely affect the person's physical health.

Criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person or person with a disability is a Class 3 felony, or a Class 2 felony if it results in the person's death, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years and maximum of 14 years if imprisonment is imposed.

Provides exemptions for physicians and nurses acting within their professional scope, caregivers making good faith efforts but unable to provide care through no fault of their own, and religious treatment by prayer consistent with recognized church or religious denomination tenets.