Committee advances HB 9 to bar inheritance for those convicted of abusing elders

The Children and Senior Advocacy Committee amended and voted to advance H.B. 9, a bill that would prevent people convicted of abusing an elderly person from receiving inheritance or other windfalls from that elder.

Representative Gidley, who introduced the measure, described it as "what we call our elder abuse bill," saying the proposal adds the word "abuse" to current law so that convictions for elder abuse would trigger the existing inheritance bar. Representative Drummond presented a written amendment that, among other clarifications, replaces specific statutory lines to address contractual obligations and liability.

The amendment adds language saying that insurers, banks or other obligors and individuals or entities facilitating the acquisition of property under the statute are not liable under the section unless they received prior written notice of a claim. The amendment also includes a clause stating that counties, county officials and their agents are not liable under the section. Representative Gidley characterized the change as protective of third parties who might be unaware of abusive conduct.

Representative Drummond moved to add the amendment, the motion was seconded, and the committee approved the amendment by voice vote. The committee then advanced the bill as amended, announcing a favorable report out of committee. No roll-call vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the chair recorded the outcome by voice. Representative Gidley thanked the committee for its action.

The committee also noted requests to carry over other bills for future agendas; no further action on H.B. 9 was recorded during this meeting. The committee adjourned at the conclusion of its business.