Those who take part in the financial abuse of the elderly or disabled will enjoy fewer protections from prosecution and transparency under a bill passed by the Senate recently, according to a report from the Illinois State Senate Republican Caucus.
Senate Bill 1409, sponsored by Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville), would amend the Criminal Identification Act by adding provisions that prevent courts from sealing records of arrests or charges that result in convictions for financial abuse of people over age 60 or those with a disability. This includes financial exploitation, identity theft, abuse and neglect.
The bill also closes a loophole in the law that impedes prosecution of a crime if the suspect lives outside of the victim's county or state. The bill changes the language to allow prosecution where the crime occurred or where the victim(s) live. It also makes theft by deception of a disabled person a Class 2 felony.
“These are some of our most vulnerable citizens, and we need to make sure criminal acts against them are not taken lightly,” Connelly said. “This legislation puts more teeth in existing law, and is part of a broader package of protections that have been enacted over the last several years.”
SB 1409 passed in a 56-0 vote. Three senators did not vote. The bill is now under review by the House Rules Committee.
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