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Bill

HB 9

Abuse and exploitation of an elder, effect of conviction on intestate succession, wills, joint assets, and other contractual obligations provided

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Gidley

Alabama bill strips elder abuse convicts of inheritance rights, voids wills benefiting them, and invalidates contractual benefits from victims' estates.

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Children and Senior Advocacy)
#crimes&offenses
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Bill Summary · HB 9

Legislative bill overview

HB 9 would modify Alabama law to penalize individuals convicted of elder abuse or exploitation by stripping them of inheritance rights from their victims' estates, voiding wills benefiting them, and invalidating joint asset claims or other contractual benefits they may have obtained from the victim.

Why is this important

Elder financial exploitation is a serious crime affecting vulnerable populations, and this bill aims to eliminate financial incentives for such abuse by ensuring perpetrators cannot profit from their crimes. The measure also prevents abusers from benefiting through legal mechanisms they may have manipulated the elder into establishing.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional due process concerns: Conditioning inheritance or contractual rights on criminal conviction may face constitutional challenges regarding property rights and due process protections
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding "other contractual obligations" is broad and could create unintended consequences for legitimate business relationships or agreements
  • Proof and timing issues: Questions remain about whether this applies retroactively to prior convictions and how courts determine which assets directly stem from exploitation versus separate legitimate relationships

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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