Bill will protect elderly, increase penalties for abusers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Two Republican legislators are planning to push legislation in the upcoming session to prevent elder abuse and increase the penalties for offenders.

Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster and Rep. Paul DeMarco of Homewood plan to announce the legislation Monday afternoon, along with the state's director of Senior Services, Neal Morrison. The event will be at the Heardmont Senior Center in Shelby County.

A spokesman for Gov. Robert Bentley says he supports the upcoming legislative and had planned to attend the announcement. But he had to cancel due to other business that came up at the last minute.

The next legislative session starts Feb. 5.