SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure to crackdown on elder abuse by expanding the offense of criminal abuse or neglect of a senior or disabled person by a caregiver to include people who voluntarily care for a disabled person or senior.
“Abuse, neglect and exploitation toward seniors happen too frequently,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Protecting our seniors means protecting our values. The people who harm seniors must be held accountable.”
House Bill 4676 would expand the offense of criminal abuse or neglect of a senior or disabled person by a caregiver to include people who voluntarily assume care of a disabled or elderly person. The bill would expand criminal abuse or neglect to include acts that create the substantial likelihood that the person's life will be endangered, health will be injured, or pre-existing physical or mental condition will deteriorate, and if the person fails to perform acts that are necessary to maintain or preserve the life or health of the person.
“We have to strengthen protections, hold bad actors accountable and ensure that our seniors can live with the dignity, safety and respect they deserve,” said Glowiak Hilton.
House Bill 4676 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.
