RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.

HB 1340 would automatically impose stricter penalties for crimes committed against individuals aged 60 or older, regardless of the offender's intent. It directly affects anyone committing assault, abuse, or similar offenses against seniors by triggering enhanced sentencing under existing laws when the victim's age is known. The key provision modifies how courts handle such cases - requiring harsher penalties solely based on the victim's age, without needing to prove the offender targeted seniors specifically. The bill is currently pending, having been introduced in January 2025 and carried over to the 2026 legislative session.