Slaughter-Backed Measure to Deny Inheritances to Elder Abusers Becomes Law

CHICAGO – Legislation supported by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, to prevent those convicted of elder abuse from inheriting any property or wealth from their victim was signed into law last week.

“We must do all we can do to protect our seniors from fraud and abuse,” said Slaughter. “This legislation will help us protect our seniors from becoming victims by preventing abusers from receiving inheritances and making elder abuse less attractive to criminals.”

Slaughter supported House Bill 347 to expand the state’s elder abuse protections by allowing a person convicted of assault or battery against a senior citizen to be barred from inheriting the victim’s estate. Current law states that an inheritance can only be denied to someone convicted of financially exploiting or intentionally neglecting a senior citizen. This measure ensures that assault and battery fall under the definition of elder abuse in order to deny abusers the ability to profit from their victim’s estate. The bill was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week.

“I am grateful that our governor and state legislature are taking the steps necessary to address elder abuse and senior fraud,” said Slaughter. “By passing this legislation, we are taking the steps necessary to prevent those who abuse seniors from benefitting from these terrible crimes.”