Dependent persons: definition.

Existing law generally affords dependent persons and adults protections against abuse and neglect. Existing law makes it a crime to engage in certain types of conduct against a dependent adult or dependent person, including, among others, committing certain sexual acts upon a dependent person, or willfully causing or permitting the person or health of a dependent adult to be injured. Existing law also establishes special conditions for dependent adults with respect to court proceedings, including oath requirements and witness examinations. Existing law defines "dependent person" for purposes of these provisions as, in part, a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially restricts his or her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his or her rights, including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose physical or mental abilities have significantly diminished because of age. Existing law defines "dependent adult" for purposes of these provisions as, in part, a person who is between the ages of 18 and 64, who has physical or mental limitations which restrict his or her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his or her rights, including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age. This bill would specify that a person is a "dependent person" or "dependent adult" under the definitions described above irrespective of whether the person lives independently. The bill would also recast certain legislative findings regarding crimes against dependent adults.