House Bill 1081
By: Representatives Neal of the 79th, Jones of the 25th, Oliver of the 84th, and Dempsey of the
13th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 5 of Title 30 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
protection of disabled adults and elder persons, so as to provide for adults with cognitive
decline to be considered disabled adults; to provide for definitions; to provide for related
matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 5 of Title 30 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to protection of
disabled adults and elder persons, is amended by revising paragraph (5) of Code Section
30-5-3, relating to definitions, and adding a new paragraph to read as follows:
<ins>"(2.1) 'Cognitive decline' means an irreversible loss of cognitive function exceeding that
of normal aging and impacting daily functions as indicated by one or more of the
following symptoms:
(A) Significant memory loss;
(B) Difficulty with complex tasks, including, but not limited to, planning, problem
solving, following multistep instructions, or managing finances;
(C) Confusion about time or place;
</ins>
<ins>(D) Difficulty communicating with words and language;
(E) Poor judgment, including, but not limited to, making uncharacteristic financial
decisions or neglecting personal hygiene;
(F) Behavioral changes, including, but not limited to, increased irritability, anxiety,
depression, or uncharacteristic mood swings; or
(G) Social withdrawal, including, but not limited to, withdrawing from work, hobbies,
or social activities."
</ins> "(5) 'Disabled adult' means a person 18 years of age or older who is not a resident, but
who:
(A) Is mentally or physically incapacitated;
(B) Has Alzheimer's disease, as defined in Code Section 31-8-180; <del>or
</del> (C) Has dementia, as defined in Code Section 16-5-100; <ins>or
(D) Is exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline."
</ins> SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.