The text was already approved in previous instances, but returned to the plenary for the analysis of new amendments proposed both by the Senate and by parliamentarians from different benches.

If approved, it will represent a significant modification to the Brazilian Penal Code.

According to the new bill, the abandonment of people with disabilities or in a situation of dependency would be punishable by two to five years’ imprisonment, in addition to fines.

The current legislation establishes a much lighter penalty, from six months to three years.

When the neglect results in serious bodily injury, the punishment will be three to seven years’ imprisonment.

In the most extreme cases, in which the neglect causes the death of the affected person, the penalty could reach between eight and 14 years of effective imprisonment.

The proposal seeks to curb a social problem that is on the rise, in which elderly and disabled people are left in hospitals, nursing homes or shelters without care, often by relatives or legal guardians.

abo/jav/mem/ocs