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HB 9

Safer States Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Viola Davis and 4 co-sponsors

HB 9 prevents those convicted of elder abuse from inheriting victims' estates, severing joint assets, and barring benefits, reinforcing protections for elderly individuals.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 9

Summary of HB 9: Abuse and Exploitation of an Elder

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 9
- Title: Abuse and exploitation of an elder, effect of conviction on intestate succession, wills, joint assets, and other contractual obligations provided
- Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Children and Senior Advocacy
- Introduced: June 25, 2025
- Effective Date: October 1, 2026
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Crimes & Offenses

Purpose and Intent

HB 9 aims to strengthen legal protections for elderly individuals by ensuring that those convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation cannot benefit from the victim's estate. This legislation seeks to deter such crimes by removing the financial incentives that may exist for abusers.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to existing laws regarding the inheritance rights of individuals convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation:

  1. Ineligibility for Benefits:

    • Individuals convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation will not be entitled to receive any benefits under the will of the abused elder or through intestate succession if no will exists.

  2. Joint Tenancy:

    • Any joint tenancy held with the abused elder will be severed, meaning the abuser will lose their property interest in such joint assets.

  3. Contractual Obligations:

    • Individuals convicted of these crimes will also be barred from receiving benefits from any contractual obligations where the abused elder was the obligee.

  4. Definition of Abuse:

    • The bill specifies that a conviction for elder abuse and neglect in the first or second degree, or financial exploitation of an elderly person in the first or second degree, will be sufficient to trigger these provisions.

  5. Judicial Determination:

    • In cases where there is no conviction, courts may determine by a preponderance of evidence whether the actions constituted felonious and intentional abuse.

  6. Protection for Third Parties:

    • The bill includes protections for individuals who purchase property from the abuser without knowledge of the abuse, ensuring they are not adversely affected by the provisions of this bill.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The primary impact of this bill will be on individuals convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation, as well as the elderly individuals who are victims of such crimes. Additionally, it may affect family members and heirs of the elderly individuals.

  • Legal and Financial Implications:

    • The bill aims to provide a clearer legal framework that prevents abusers from profiting from their crimes, thereby reinforcing the principle that individuals should not benefit from their wrongful actions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:

    • The bill was filed on June 25, 2025, and was read for the first time on January 13, 2026. It is currently pending action in the House Committee on Children and Senior Advocacy.

  • Effective Date:

    • If passed, the provisions of HB 9 will take effect on October 1, 2026.

This summary provides an overview of HB 9, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on the legal landscape surrounding elder abuse and exploitation.

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

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