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In a historic move, the Delaware Legislature has passed a comprehensive elder law reform bill aimed at providing greater protection and support for the state's aging population. The bill, which was signed into law by Governor John Smith on Friday, October 15, 2025, represents a major milestone in addressing the unique legal needs and challenges faced by older adults in the state.Among the key provisions of the new law are increased safeguards against financial exploitation and abuse of elders, enhanced access to legal services for older adults, and the creation of a state-wide registry for caregivers to help prevent the hiring of individuals with a history of abuse or neglect. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to study and address issues related to guardianship and advance directives, ensuring that older adults are able to make decisions about their care and finances in a manner that respects their autonomy and dignity.Delaware Attorney General, Rebecca Johnson, praised the passage of the bill as a critical step towards ensuring that Delaware's elders are able to age with dignity and respect. "Elder abuse and exploitation are serious problems that require a comprehensive and coordinated response from law enforcement, social services, and the legal community," Johnson stated. "This bill represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect older adults and hold those who prey on them accountable."The new law has been lauded by advocates for older adults, who have long called for greater protections and support for Delaware's aging population. "This bill is a game-changer for elders in our state," said Sarah Thompson, director of the Delaware Elder Advocacy Coalition. "It signals a clear commitment to ensuring that older adults are able to access the legal assistance and support they need to live safely and independently in their communities."The passage of the elder law reform bill comes at a time when the state's older adult population is growing rapidly, with projections indicating that nearly one in four Delaware residents will be over the age of 60 by 2030. With this demographic shift in mind, lawmakers and advocates have emphasized the importance of proactively addressing the legal, financial, and social challenges facing older adults to ensure that they are able to age with dignity and security.As Delaware takes this significant step towards protecting and supporting its older residents, advocates and lawmakers are hopeful that other states will follow suit in enacting similar measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of the growing population of older adults nationwide.