Bill Would Make Sharing Humiliating Photos of Seniors a Crime in Montana

Montana Sen. Tom Jacobson (D) is sponsoring a bill to designate the sharing of a humiliating photo or video of a senior citizen who has an expectation of privacy as senior abuse, reports KPAX . A first offense of senior abuse carries up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, but second offenses are deemed felonies, with up to 10 years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. The bill only covers seniors with developmental disabilities, like Alzheimer's or dementia. However, Beth Brenneman with Disability Rights Montana said during a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee that older adults with developmental disabilities are particularly susceptible. The state Senate voted 40 to 10 to pass the bill earlier this month.