AARP-Backed Law Will Increase Penalties for Financial Exploitation of Elderly and Disabled
CHICAGO
Aug. 25, 2011
PRNewswire-USNewswire
This week Governor Quinn signed into law a bill that will help provide critical protections for thousands of individuals, particularly older adults and the disabled, who fall victim to financial exploitation. The law, Public Act 97-0482, sponsored by State Representative Emily McAsey and State Senator Toi Hutchinson, passed the General Assembly unanimously on May 28th, 2011, and was signed into law by Governor Quinn earlier this week.
"Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse and can devastate victims," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "AARP applauds the General Assembly and Governor Quinn for enacting legislation that sends a strong message to financial abusers."
In Illinois, financial exploitation is the most commonly reported form of elder abuse, constituting nearly 60% of all elder abuse reports in the state. On a national level, it is estimated that elder financial abuse costs victims more than $2.9 billion each year.
"AARP strongly supported this legislation and we are proud to see it become the law of the land in Illinois," added Gallo.
The new law aims to more harshly penalize those who commit financial exploitation against the elderly and the disabled, and deter future crimes, by lowering the dollar threshold required for indictment on Class 1 and Class 2 felony charges. A Class 1 felony will start at $50,000 (previously $100,000) and a Class 2 felony will start between $5,000 and $50,000 (previously$100,000).
SOURCE: The PR NEWSWire
_________________________________________
Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment