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On October 11, 2025, the Missouri legislature unanimously passed a series of new elder law reforms aimed at protecting the state's aging population from financial exploitation and abuse. The bill, known as the Elder Protection Act of 2025, represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing concerns surrounding elder abuse and neglect in Missouri.One of the key provisions of the Elder Protection Act is the establishment of a statewide registry of guardians and conservators. This registry will help to prevent individuals with a history of financial exploitation or abuse from being appointed as guardians to vulnerable senior citizens. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for increased oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators, including mandatory reporting requirements and regular audits of their actions.In addition to addressing issues related to guardianship, the Elder Protection Act also includes provisions aimed at preventing financial exploitation of senior citizens through scams and fraud. The bill increases penalties for individuals found guilty of targeting elderly individuals for financial gain and provides enhanced resources for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases of elder financial abuse.The passage of the Elder Protection Act has been widely praised by advocates for senior citizens in Missouri, who have long been calling for greater protections for the state's aging population. According to Mary Johnson, a spokesperson for the Missouri Elder Rights Coalition, "This new law represents a significant victory for older adults in our state. By enacting these reforms, we are sending a clear message that elder abuse and exploitation will not be tolerated in Missouri."The Elder Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving state agencies and stakeholders time to prepare for the implementation of the new provisions. Lawmakers have expressed confidence that the reforms included in the bill will help to prevent elder abuse and exploitation and ensure that Missouri's senior citizens are able to age with dignity and respect.