"An Act relating to certain crimes committed against the elderly; and providing for an effective date. "

The population of older citizens in Alaska is growing rapidly, as are the crimes that affect them. The physical, emotional, and financial impact of crimes against the person, and theft and related crimes, on the elderly can be devastating. House Bill 132 would increase the penalty one level for certain crimes against a person and for theft and related crimes, if the perpetrator acted with reckless disregard that the victim was an older citizen.

The provisions of HB 132:

• Increase the penalties for crimes against the elderly one level. For example, assault in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor, would be a class C felony if the assault was committed to a person 65 years of age or older.

I ask for your consideration and support of HB 132 to better protect the older citizens of our state.

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