Missouri Law Strengthened to Protect Senior Citizens, Disabled

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Governor Jay Nixon stopped in Springfield Wednesday to sign legislation that aims to protect senior citizens.

Senate Bill 689, passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, strengthens Missouri's law preventing the financial or physical abuse of seniors and persons with disabilities.

Gov. Nixon chose South Side Senior Center at 2215 S. Fremont Avenue for the ceremony. A similar signing was held later in the day near St. Louis.

The new law, which goes into effect August 28, expands the definition of financial exploitation against seniors and persons with disabilities to include "undue influence."

Gov. Nixon says this change will give local prosecuting attorneys greater ability to go after those in a position of power who financially exploit senior citizens or persons with disabilities, including those with legal guardianship or power of attorney.

"In the past, it has been difficult for prosecutors to file charges on these types of cases if the person committing the crime had legal status as a guardian or power of attorney," said Gov. Nixon in Springfield. "The changes I'm signing into law make it clear that, regardless of who you are, or what power you have over a person, financial exploitation of older Missourians is wrong."

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that about one out of every five calls to the Elder Abuse Hotline is to report an allegation of financial exploitation.

The new law also makes it clear that the physical abuse of an elderly person or persons with disabilities is illegal, regardless of whether the injuries sustained were inflicted on purpose or were the result of reckless behavior.

Read Senate Bill 689

(information courtesy Missouri Governor Jay Nixon)