NASHVILLE – Representative Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) has filed legislation that would clarify and strengthen the law surrounding adult abuse victims. House Bill 299 will clarify that physical abuse or gross neglect of an impaired adult is a Class C felony.

Under the current wording of the statute, the law specifies that physical abuse or gross neglect of an impaired adult is punishable as an aggravated assault. By this wording, it is not necessarily clear whether the offense is a Class D or Class C felony. Overbey’s bill would clarify this point as well as provide that gross neglect of an impaired adult is punishable to the same extent as willful abuse.

“I think it’s important for the law to be as specific as possible in a case like this. It is an important improvement for the safety of our impaired adults,” Overbey stated. Overbey filed this bill after receiving input from the TBI and others concerned with protection of adult abuse victims.

The bill was referred to Criminal Practice and Procedure, a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 at 1:41 pm and is filed under In The News.
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