Criminal Justice (Seniors)

This bill increases penalties for theft and possession of stolen property when the victim is 60 years of age or older. It applies to offenders who knew the victim's age before or during the crime and have a prior conviction for similar offenses against elderly people. Under this law, misdemeanor theft cases become class E felonies, and felony cases move up one severity category. The changes affect prosecutors, courts, and individuals charged with these specific crimes against older adults.

Establishes an elderly crime prevention and control trust fund to be funded by an initial appropriation and administrative assessment penalties on persons convicted of felonies when an elderly person is a victim; provides that the fund is to be administered by the division of criminal justice services which shall give grants to organizations who will set up programs to prevent crimes against elderly persons.

Relates to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons age fifty-five or older if they have served at least fifteen years of their sentence or sentences.