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On January 13, 2026, the Maine Legislature made a significant move to strengthen elder law protections in the state by passing a new bill aimed at preventing financial exploitation and abuse of older adults. The bill, known as the Elder Protection Act, was championed by advocates for the elderly and received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.The Elder Protection Act includes a number of key provisions designed to safeguard older adults and hold perpetrators of elder abuse accountable. One of the main components of the bill is the establishment of a registry for individuals convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation. This registry will help prevent those with a history of mistreating older adults from working in positions of trust or authority over them.In addition to the registry, the Elder Protection Act also enhances penalties for those found guilty of elder abuse or financial exploitation. Offenders will now face stiffer punishments, including longer prison sentences and heftier fines. The bill also requires mandatory reporting of suspected elder abuse by certain professionals, such as healthcare workers and financial planners.Furthermore, the Elder Protection Act allocates additional funding for programs and services that support older adults, including increased funding for adult protective services and legal aid for seniors. These resources will help ensure that older adults have access to the support they need to protect themselves from abuse and exploitation.Advocates for the elderly have praised the passage of the Elder Protection Act as a crucial step in addressing the growing problem of elder abuse in Maine. They hope that the new law will serve as a deterrent to would-be abusers and provide a stronger safety net for older adults who may be vulnerable to exploitation.Governor Janet Mills, who signed the bill into law, commended the Legislature for their bipartisan effort to protect Maine's aging population. She emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of older adults, stating that "every person, regardless of age, deserves to live free from abuse and exploitation."Overall, the passage of the Elder Protection Act marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure the safety and well-being of Maine's elderly population. With stronger legal protections in place, older adults in the state can now feel more secure in their golden years.