RELATING TO ELDER CRIME VICTIMS.

SB 2252 changes how felony assaults involving elderly victims are prosecuted. Currently, prosecutors must prove the attacker knew the victim was elderly to charge the assault as aggravated. This bill removes that requirement, making it a felony assault simply because the victim is elderly, regardless of the attacker's knowledge. It directly affects elderly crime victims, prosecutors, and courts handling such cases. The bill is currently in committee referral after its first reading.