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Bill

S 3526

Enacts Noah's Law; creates the crimes of child abuse, vulnerable elderly person or incompetent or physically disabled person abuse, and torture

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan and 2 co-sponsors

Noah's Law establishes new crimes and penalties for child, elderly, and disabled abuse, enhancing protections and requiring professionals to report suspected cases.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3526

Summary of Bill S 3526: Noah's Law

Bill Number: S 3526
Title: Enacts Noah's Law; creates the crimes of child abuse, vulnerable elderly person or incompetent or physically disabled person abuse, and torture
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 3526, known as Noah's Law, aims to strengthen legal protections against abuse and torture of vulnerable populations, specifically children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. The legislation seeks to establish clear definitions and penalties for these crimes, thereby enhancing accountability and safeguarding the rights and well-being of affected individuals.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key provisions:

  1. Creation of New Crimes:

    • Establishes specific offenses for:
      • Child Abuse: Defined as any act that causes physical or emotional harm to a child.
      • Abuse of Vulnerable Elderly Persons: Targets actions that exploit or harm elderly individuals who may be unable to protect themselves.
      • Abuse of Incompetent or Physically Disabled Persons: Addresses abuse against individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
      • Torture: Defines torture in the context of these vulnerable groups, outlining severe penalties for such acts.

  2. Penalties:

    • The bill stipulates varying degrees of penalties based on the severity of the abuse, potentially including significant fines and imprisonment.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • Mandates that certain professionals (e.g., healthcare providers, social workers) report suspected cases of abuse to appropriate authorities.

  4. Training and Awareness:

    • Encourages training programs for professionals who work with vulnerable populations to recognize and prevent abuse.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Vulnerable Populations: Children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities would be directly protected under this law.
  • Caregivers and Professionals: Individuals working in caregiving roles, including family members, healthcare providers, and social workers, would be subject to new reporting requirements and potential penalties for failing to report abuse.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: The bill was introduced on January 28, 2025, and has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill S 6541 and has a companion bill, A 4527, which may provide additional context or support for its provisions.

Conclusion

Noah's Law represents a significant step towards enhancing the legal framework surrounding the protection of vulnerable individuals from abuse and torture. By establishing clear definitions and penalties, the bill aims to deter such crimes and promote a safer environment for those who are most at risk. As it progresses through the legislative process, further discussions and amendments may shape its final form and implementation.

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

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