Legislation continues get-tough law against financial abuse of defenseless citizens
OLYMPIA – Prime-sponsored by state Rep. Jim Moeller, House Bill 1104 would add what Moeller calls “very important and much-needed teeth” to current laws on the books to protect vulnerable adults.
Moeller’s legislation cleared the Washington State House of Representatives unanimously earlier this week, and it’s now awaiting further consideration in the Washington State Senate. The measure would:
* Prohibit either wrongful control or withholding of a vulnerable adult’s property (and spells out exactly what would constitute financial exploitation).
* Require the Department of Social & Health Services to provide a statement of rights to vulnerable adults whose cases are under investigation.
* Provide standards for the department to work with federally recognized Native American tribes to investigate abuse or financial exploitation that has taken place on tribal land.
Moeller’s 2011 bill expands the definition of “financial exploitation” beyond just the illegal or improper use of a vulnerable adult’s property. The proposal would include in the law’s definition the illegal or improper control over or withholding of property.
The Clark County lawmaker in recent years has won widespread public, legislative and gubernatorial support for the writing of laws designed to halt exploitation of vulnerable senior citizens and other citizens.
Moeller has worked with a task force of southwestern Washington citizens and other concerned individuals and organizations to create protective standards, including this year’s increasing, concentrated effort against exploitation.
“Many citizens work hard and save their entire lives so they can live their golden years in safe and comfortable retirement,” Moeller said. “Naturally, most all retired folks take a lot of pride in making their own decisions, just like anyone else.
“At some point, though, they generally have no choice but to put their lives and financial resources into someone else’s hands. Yet some of the people closest to us, sometimes even our own children, take advantage of the situation.
“All too often, an older person’s own family members take illegal advantage. Our objective has always been, and continues to be, putting an end to the escalating abuse and exploitation of vulnerable citizens who rely on others for their basic needs,” Moeller pointed out.