Connor-Backed Legislation Combatting Elder Abuse and Neglect Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, backed a new law battling elder abuse and exploitation which requires face-to-face assessments of a senior’s living situation and interviews with family members, friends and neighbors in the case of a report of mistreatment.

“We have to do a better job ensuring that seniors are treated with the care and respect they deserve,” Connor said. “The safety and security of our community is my first priority and I will work to ensure criminals can’t take advantage of our senior citizens who are living on a fixed income and already vulnerable to huge and unpredictable health care costs.”

Connor supported House Bill 3065, which requires state agencies investigating reports of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of senior citizens to interview family members, friends, neighbors and anyone else who may have direct knowledge of the situation. Face-to-face interviews will ensure thorough inquiries into every report, and help eliminate lax examinations that leave elders in abusive situations. The legislation was passed with strong bipartisan support and is now law.

“Retirees deserve to live a safe and comfortable life, and to be left alone by con artists and crooks,” Connor said. “This law requires that, in the case of a complaint, in-person meetings will get every case gets the attention it needs. There is more work to be done, but we are making progress towards our goal of an Illinois that is safer and stronger.”