Governor Bill Haslam signs bills to protect elderly citizens from exploitation, abuse

(WJHL) – Gov. Bill Haslam signed two bills into law on Wednesday, both meant to better protect the elderly in Tennessee.

One of the laws aims to do more to stop people from financially exploiting senior citizens.

Co-sponsor Sen. Rusty Crowe said banks were previously afraid to report the crime due to liability concerns, so lawmakers made a change to give those banks better protection and direction.

In addition to financial exploitation, the law also increases penalties for people who abuse or exploit the elderly or vulnerable adults.

State senators credit our 2013 Community Watchdog investigation as the reason for their continued focus on elder abuse.

That investigation prompted harsher penalties and the creation of a state elderly and vulnerable abuse task force.

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Governor Bill Haslam signs bills to protect elderly citizens from exploitation, abuse