Legislation could block elder abusers from inheriting money or property in Alabama

by Austin Pratt 

A new legislative proposal, House Bill 9, seeks to expand existing laws in Alabama to prevent individuals convicted of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation from inheriting money or property from their victims.

The bill would apply to inheritance through wills, intestate succession, life insurance policies, and other contractual benefits.

Additionally, it would remove survivorship rights in jointly owned property, meaning abusers would not automatically gain full ownership after the victim's death. Property rights would pass to the next in line in the same way as if the abuser died before the victim.

The legislation aims to prevent individuals from profiting from harm done to elderly Alabamians by establishing financial consequences for criminal convictions in abuse or exploitation cases.

Courts would be able to apply these penalties following a criminal conviction or based on a judge's findings if no conviction exists.

HB9 has been referred to the Children and Senior Advocacy committee. If passed it would take effect on October 1, 2026.

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Legislation could block elder abusers from inheriting money or property in Alabama