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Bill

HD 202

An Act establishing a commission to study the financial abuse of elders

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry and 8 co-sponsors

Massachusetts establishes an elder financial abuse study commission to investigate prevalence and recommend legislative solutions to protect seniors from exploitation.

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Bill Summary · HD 202

Legislative bill overview

HD 202 establishes a commission tasked with studying financial abuse of elders in Massachusetts, examining its prevalence, causes, and impacts. The commission would develop findings and recommendations for legislative or policy interventions to address this issue.

Why is this important

Elder financial abuse is a significant but often underreported problem affecting vulnerable populations, with victims losing substantial sums annually. Systematic study could identify gaps in existing protections and inform evidence-based solutions to prevent exploitation and recover losses.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and timeline: The bill does not specify funding levels, duration, or staffing, raising questions about resource allocation and whether recommendations will be timely
  • Scope definition: "Financial abuse" can encompass diverse scenarios (scams, caregiver theft, exploitation by family), and the commission's ability to address all forms adequately may be limited
  • Implementation uncertainty: Study commissions often produce reports with limited enforcement mechanisms; unclear whether findings will translate into actual legislative action or funding for prevention programs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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