PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The General Assembly approved a bill Thursday that would lower the age of eligibility for a Rhode Islander to be considered a victim in elder financial exploitation.
Currently, Rhode Islanders are required to report elderly exploitation for anyone 60 or older, however, a person can’t be charged unless the victim is at least 65.
If passed, the bill will lower that age to 60.
Senator Cynthia Armour Coyne, who helped fight against elderly financial exploitation from 2018 to 2019, wants to help protect residents.
She said, “This legislation closes a confusing and unintended gap between our requirement to report abuse and when charges can be brought for elder financial exploitation. Ultimately, it also protects more Rhode Islanders. A wider definition better ensures that more cases can be successfully prosecuted, and ultimately provides greater protection to Rhode Islanders.”
Elder financial exploitation is the illegal mishandling of an elderly persons funds. Typically using trust to gain access to someones financial resources.
The bill will now go to the governor.
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