Wednesday, October 11, 2017

House Clears Bill to Combat Crimes Against Elderly




The House cleared legislation on Tuesday to enhance law enforcement efforts against crimes that are targeted at the elderly.

The crimes include financial exploitation, fraud, physical and emotional abuse, and neglect.

Lawmakers approved the Elder Abuse Prevention and Protection Act of 2017 by voice vote, sending it to President Trump’s desk for a final signature.

“We must ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect our senior citizens and that is precisely what this bill aims to do,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

The bill, authored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), designates at least one assistant U.S. attorney in each federal judicial district to serve as legal counsel on matters relating to elder abuse, prosecute cases and ensure data collection.

It also directs the Justice Department to implement a training program for FBI agents to investigate and prosecute crimes committed against the elderly. The program would include teaching agents “specialized strategies” for helping and communicating with elder abuse victims.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Hill 

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