HB1081: HB1081 Handicapped persons; adults with cognitive decline to be considered disabled adults; provide

Georgia law currently protects 'disabled adults' from abuse, neglect, and exploitation under a chapter of state law covering elder persons and disabled adults (O.C.G.A. Chapter 5 of Title 30). That protection currently applies to adults who are mentally or physically incapacitated, or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. This bill adds a new category: adults who are 'exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline,' even without a formal diagnosis. It defines cognitive decline as an irreversible loss of mental function beyond normal aging that affects daily life, listing symptoms such as significant memory loss, trouble with complex tasks like managing finances, confusion about time or place, communication difficulty, poor judgment, behavioral changes, or social withdrawal. The bill amends Code Section 30-5-3's definitions and repeals any conflicting laws, but sets no separate effective date beyond standard enactment.

• Adds a new definition of 'cognitive decline' to Georgia's elder and disabled adult protection law (O.C.G.A. § 30-5-3), listing seven qualifying symptoms.
• Expands the definition of 'disabled adult' to include nonresident adults exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline, even without a formal Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis.
• Keeps the existing categories covering adults who are mentally or physically incapacitated or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
• Repeals any existing state laws that conflict with the new definitions.

Older Georgians and other adults showing signs of cognitive decline, their families and caregivers, and the agencies and courts that enforce Georgia's disabled adult and elder abuse protections, since more people could now qualify as legally 'disabled adults' under this chapter.

By covering people showing symptoms of cognitive decline rather than only those with a formal diagnosis, the bill could let more adults qualify for legal protections against abuse, neglect, and exploitation under Georgia's elder protection law before a doctor confirms a specific condition.

• Section 1 adds paragraph (2.1) to Code Section 30-5-3 defining 'cognitive decline' as an irreversible, beyond-normal-aging loss of cognitive function affecting daily life.
• The definition lists seven symptom categories, including memory loss, difficulty with complex tasks, confusion, communication trouble, poor judgment, behavioral changes, and social withdrawal.
• Section 1 also revises paragraph (5) of Code Section 30-5-3 so that 'disabled adult' includes nonresidents exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline, alongside existing incapacity, Alzheimer's, and dementia categories.
• Section 2 repeals all state laws and parts of laws that conflict with this Act.

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 protection
• dementia and Alzheimer's
• disabled adults
• cognitive decline
• adult protective services