SPRINGFIELD, IL - Criminals who financially exploit Illinois seniors will be held more accountable under legislation passed through the Senate today by Illinois Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights).
“We must continue to address the growing problem of financial abuse of Illinois seniors,” Senator Hutchinson said. “These types of crimes can ruin the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents. By ensuring criminals are held more accountable, we can send the message that seniors and persons with disabilities are protected and looked after in our communities.”
Financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability occurs when a criminal stands in a position of trust or confidence with an elderly person or a person with a disability and knowingly obtains control over the property of that individual or illegally uses their assets through deception or intimidation.
Under current law, a person only stands in a position of trust or confidence when he or she is: any immediate family member, parent, spouse, blood relative, relative by marriage, joint tenant, tenant in common, or any other person with a legal or fiduciary relationship to the elderly or disabled victim.
Hutchinson’s measure, House Bill 5653, expands that list of individuals by adding a person who is a paid or unpaid caregiver for the senior citizen or person with a disability.
“Many individuals put the same amount of trust in their caregivers as they would their family members. This measure ensures caregivers don’t take advantage of those they look after or put the wrong type of influence on someone in a vulnerable position,” Senator Hutchinson added.
The measure now heads to the Illinois House where it will be debated before being sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature.