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SD 249

An Act protecting vulnerable elders from abuse

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge

SD 249 - An Act Protecting Vulnerable Elders from Abuse OverviewBill Number: SD 249 Title: An Act protecting vulnerable elders from abuse Status: House concurred Introduced: Mar

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 249

SD 249 - An Act Protecting Vulnerable Elders from Abuse

Overview

Bill Number: SD 249
Title: An Act protecting vulnerable elders from abuse
Status: House concurred
Introduced: March 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to strengthen protections for elderly individuals who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The legislation aims to address growing concerns about the mistreatment of vulnerable older adults and provide more robust safeguards to ensure their safety and well-being.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a statewide Elder Abuse Prevention Program to coordinate reporting, investigation, and intervention efforts across state agencies
  • Requires mandatory elder abuse training for healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals who interact with the elderly
  • Expands the definition of elder abuse to include financial exploitation and emotional/psychological mistreatment
  • Increases criminal penalties for perpetrators of elder abuse, including longer prison sentences and higher fines
  • Creates an Elder Abuse Victims' Fund to provide support services and restitution for victims
  • Empowers adult protective services to more easily obtain court orders to remove elders from abusive situations

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact elderly individuals aged 65 and older who are considered vulnerable due to physical or cognitive impairments. It aims to protect this population from various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial. Additionally, the legislation would affect healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement, and other professionals who interact with the elderly, as they would be required to undergo specialized training.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has already passed the state Senate and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. If the House concurs with the Senate version, the bill will be sent to the governor for signature. If signed into law, the Elder Abuse Prevention Program and other key provisions would be implemented within 6 months to 1 year, with the mandatory training requirements taking effect within 12 months.

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

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