Bill > HB9

This bill amends Alabama law to expand protections for elderly individuals by modifying how inheritance, joint assets, and contractual benefits are handled when a person is convicted of abusing or killing an elder. Specifically, the bill broadens existing provisions to include not just felonious killing, but also elder abuse and financial exploitation as grounds for losing inheritance rights. Under the new law, if a spouse, heir, or beneficiary is convicted of elder abuse or financially exploiting an elderly person in the first or second degree, they will be treated as if they predeceased the victim and will be ineligible to receive benefits from the victim's will, joint assets, life insurance policies, or other contractual arrangements. The bill defines abuse as a conviction under specific Alabama criminal statutes related to elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The law provides a mechanism for courts to determine abuse even without a criminal conviction by using a preponderance of evidence standard. The bill includes protections for third-party purchasers who buy property from the abuser in good faith and without prior knowledge. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, giving time for legal professionals and the public to prepare for the new provisions.

Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search