The Alabama Legislature is making it easier to prosecute people who abuse, neglect or financially exploit senior citizens.
The House and Senate passed different versions of the bill earlier in the Senate and then agreed on the same version on Monday night shortly before the 2013 legislative session ended.
The Protecting Alabama's Elders Act was pushed by Republican Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster and Republican Rep. Paul DeMarco of Homewood. Proponents said it better defines what constitutes elder abuse and increases the penalties for the most serious offenses.
The state director of AARP Alabama, Jesse Salinas, said the bill makes it harder for people to get away with preying on the elderly.
The bill now goes to the governor for his review.