Lilly Bill to Deny Inheritances for Elder Abuse Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure by state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly to help protect the elderly from abuse was recently signed into law.

“Far too many seniors are targeted every day for fraud, scams, and even abuse,” Lilly said. “I’m proud that this bill will help prevent those who abuse seniors from benefitting from violent, vicious crimes.”

Lilly sponsored House Bill 347 to expand the state’s elder abuse protections to deny a person convicted of assault or battery against a senior citizen from inheriting the victim’s estate. Currently, an inheritance can only be denied to someone for financially exploiting or neglecting a senior citizen. Lilly’s bill is a response to a state court decision that said an inheritance could not be legally denied for assault and battery due to the construction of the law. This measure ensures that assault and battery will fall under the definition of elder abuse in order to deny abusers the ability to profit from their victim’s estate.

“As legislators, we need to do everything we can to protect seniors and the elderly, who have given so much to help build our communities,” Lilly said. “I’m incredibly thankful to Governor Pritzker and my colleagues in the General Assembly for supporting this bill and recognizing the need to help better protect our senior citizens.”