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On July 1, 2025, North Dakota Governor Mark Johnson signed into law a series of new legislation aimed at protecting the rights and wellbeing of the state's senior citizens. The new elder law measures come in response to growing concerns about the exploitation and abuse of older adults in the state.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a statewide Elder Abuse Registry, which will track and monitor individuals who have been convicted of abusing or neglecting senior citizens. This registry will help law enforcement agencies and adult protective services agencies to better identify and prevent abuse of elderly individuals.In addition to the Elder Abuse Registry, the new laws also include provisions for increased penalties for those found guilty of elder abuse or exploitation. Under the new legislation, perpetrators of elder abuse could face significant fines and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the abuse.Furthermore, the new laws also address issues related to guardianship and power of attorney for senior citizens. The legislation includes measures to better protect older adults from exploitation by their appointed guardians or agents, including increased oversight and accountability requirements for those serving in those roles.The new elder law measures have been welcomed by advocacy groups and senior citizens' organizations in North Dakota, who have long been calling for stronger protections for the state's elderly population. According to recent data, cases of elder abuse in North Dakota have been on the rise in recent years, making the need for these new laws all the more urgent.Governor Johnson praised the new legislation as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of North Dakota's senior citizens. "Our older adults deserve to age with dignity and respect, and these new laws will help us achieve that goal," said Governor Johnson at the signing ceremony.Overall, the new elder law legislation in North Dakota represents a significant milestone in the state's efforts to protect its elderly population from abuse and exploitation. With these new measures in place, North Dakota is poised to set a national example for elder law protection and advocacy.