SPRINGFIELD — To stamp out cases of caregiver abuse and exploitation, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton led a measure to expand criminal liability to voluntary caregivers who look after seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Holding bad actors accountable can strengthen protections for vulnerable populations,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By addressing abuse, neglect and exploitation, we can ensure our seniors and individuals with disabilities live with the dignity, safety and respect they deserve.”
House Bill 4676 would expand protections for seniors and individuals with disabilities by ensuring Illinois’ caregiver abuse and neglect laws apply to people who voluntarily assume care of an elderly person or individual with a disability.
Additionally, Glowiak Hilton’s measure 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 caregiver fails to perform acts that are necessary to maintain or preserve the life or health of the person.
House Bill 4676 passed the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.
