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In a landmark decision, the Alaska State Legislature has passed a series of new elder law measures aimed at protecting seniors and their rights. The laws, which were approved by a unanimous vote on February 24, 2026, come in response to the increasing number of cases of elder abuse and financial exploitation in the state.One of the key provisions of the new laws is the establishment of a statewide elder abuse registry, which will track incidents of abuse and neglect reported by healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement agencies. This registry will help authorities identify patterns of abuse and provide better protection for vulnerable seniors.Additionally, the legislature has approved increased funding for adult protective services, which will allow for more thorough investigations of reported cases of elder abuse. The measures also include stronger penalties for individuals convicted of elder abuse, with harsher punishments for those found guilty of financial exploitation or neglect.Furthermore, the new laws prioritize the rights of seniors to make their own decisions about their healthcare and finances. Guardianship reforms have been implemented to ensure that seniors are not improperly deprived of their autonomy, and provisions have been made for advance directives and powers of attorney to be more easily accessible to seniors.In a statement following the passage of the laws, Governor Sarah Davis praised the legislature for their efforts to protect Alaska's seniors. "Our elders have contributed so much to our state, and it is our duty to ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve," she said.The new elder law measures are set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, and will be implemented statewide. Advocates for seniors have hailed the laws as a significant step forward in protecting the rights and well-being of Alaska's elderly population.