SB 178 Summary

• Increases criminal penalties for battery and neglect of a dependent when committed against an endangered adult or a person with serious physical or mental disability.

• Expands the definition of "dependent" to include endangered adults under another person's care and persons of any age with serious mental or physical disabilities, not just minors under 18.

• Elevates battery charges from Level 5 or 6 felonies to Level 2, 3, or 4 felonies when victimizing endangered adults or disabled persons, with Level 2 felonies for deaths resulting from such crimes.

• Increases neglect of dependent charges from Level 6 felony to Level 3 or 4 felonies when serious bodily injury results or when targeting endangered adults or disabled dependents.

• Effective July 1, 2016.