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

26 LC 62 0286 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 to1 protection of disabled adults and elder persons, so as to provi de for adults with cognitive2 decline to be considered disabled adults; to provide for defini tions; to provide for related3 matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 Chapter 5 of Title 30 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated , relating to protection of7 disabled adults and elder persons, is amended by revising parag raph (5) of Code Section8 30-5-3, relating to definitions, and adding a new paragraph to read as follows:9 "(2.1) 'Cognitive decline' means an irreversible loss of cognitive function exceeding that10 of normal aging and impacting daily functions as indicated by o ne or more of the11 following symptoms:12 (A) Significant memory loss;13 (B) Difficulty with complex tasks, including, but not limited to, planning, problem14 solving, following multistep instructions, or managing finances;15 (C) Confusion about time or place;16 H. B. 1081 - 1 - 26 LC 62 0286 (D) Difficulty communicating with words and language;17 (E) Poor judgment, including, but not limited to, making uncha racteristic financial18 decisions or neglecting personal hygiene;19 (F) Behavioral changes, including, but not limited to, increas ed irritability, anxiety,20 depression, or uncharacteristic mood swings; or21 (G) Social withdrawal, including, but not limited to, withdrawing from work, hobbies,22 or social activities."23 "(5) 'Disabled adult' means a person 18 years of age or older who is not a resident, but24 who:25 (A) Is mentally or physically incapacitated;26 (B) Has Alzheimer's disease, as defined in Code Section 31-8-180; or27 (C) Has dementia, as defined in Code Section 16-5-100; or28 (D) Is exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline."29 SECTION 2.30 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.31 H. B. 1081 - 2 -