HB 1081: Handicapped persons; adults with cognitive decline to be considered disabled adults; provide

Georgia law currently protects certain adults, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, under rules against abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults and elder persons (O.C.G.A. Chapter 5 of Title 30). This bill would add a new category: adults 18 or older who are not diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's but show symptoms of general cognitive decline. The bill defines cognitive decline as an irreversible loss of mental function beyond normal aging that affects daily life, listing specific signs such as memory loss, trouble with complex tasks like managing money, confusion about time or place, communication problems, poor judgment, behavioral changes, and social withdrawal. Anyone showing one or more of these signs would count as a disabled adult under this chapter, making them eligible for the same legal protections against abuse and exploitation. The bill repeals any conflicting laws but does not state a separate effective date.

• Adds a new legal definition of 'cognitive decline' to Georgia's disabled adults and elder persons protection law (O.C.G.A. § 30-5-3).
• Expands the definition of 'disabled adult' to include people exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline, not just those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia.
• Lists seven specific symptoms, including memory loss, trouble with complex tasks, confusion, communication difficulty, poor judgment, behavioral changes, and social withdrawal, any one of which can qualify someone.
• Repeals any existing state laws that conflict with these changes.

Older Georgians and other adults experiencing cognitive decline, their families and caregivers, adult protective services workers, and anyone involved in investigating or prosecuting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults under Georgia law.

By broadening who counts as a disabled adult, the bill could extend Georgia's abuse and exploitation protections to people showing early or undiagnosed signs of cognitive decline, potentially allowing intervention or legal action before a formal Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis exists.

• Section 1 revises O.C.G.A. § 30-5-3 by adding a new paragraph (2.1) defining 'cognitive decline' with seven listed symptom categories, any one of which can satisfy the definition.
• Section 1 also revises paragraph (5)'s definition of 'disabled adult' to add a new subsection (D) covering people 'exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline.'
• Section 1 restructures existing language so Alzheimer's disease and dementia remain qualifying conditions alongside the new cognitive decline category.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws, a standard clause with no substantive effect beyond this bill's changes.

1. 2026-02-02House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-01-29House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-28House Hopper (House)

• Yasmin Neal (D, HD-079)Primary sponsor
• Todd Jones (R, HD-025)
• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)

• elder abuse protections
• cognitive decline
• disabled adults
• dementia and Alzheimer's law
• adult protective services