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In a landmark decision, the Indiana legislature has passed a series of new elder law measures aimed at protecting the rights and financial security of senior citizens in the state. The new laws, which were signed into effect on June 12, 2026, come in response to a growing concern over the vulnerability of elderly individuals to financial exploitation and other forms of abuse.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a state-wide registry for guardians and conservators who are appointed to make decisions on behalf of elderly individuals. This registry will help to ensure greater accountability and transparency in the guardianship process, making it easier to detect and prevent instances of abuse or neglect.Additionally, the new laws include provisions for enhanced penalties for individuals found guilty of exploiting or mistreating elderly individuals. Offenders may now face increased fines and imprisonment, as well as the possibility of being barred from serving as a guardian or conservator in the future.The legislation also addresses the issue of elder financial abuse by expanding the definition of financial exploitation to include a broader range of actions, such as undue influence, coercion, and deception. The new laws provide clearer guidelines for identifying and reporting instances of financial abuse, as well as establishing mechanisms for prosecuting offenders.In a statement following the passage of the new laws, Indiana Governor Sarah Johnson expressed her support for the measures, stating that "protecting the rights and well-being of our senior citizens is a top priority for our state government. These new elder law measures will provide important safeguards to ensure that elderly individuals are able to live with dignity and security."The passage of the new elder law measures in Indiana has been hailed as a significant step forward in the protection of senior citizens' rights. Advocates for the elderly have praised the legislature for taking action to address the growing issue of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and have called for continued efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly individuals in the state.