On December 30, 2025, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed into law a new measure aimed at strengthening protections for the state's elderly population. The legislation, known as the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, includes provisions designed to prevent and address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.Under the new law, adult protective services workers will be required to undergo additional training on identifying and responding to elder abuse. The measure also establishes a statewide elder abuse hotline for individuals to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect. Additionally, the law increases penalties for individuals convicted of elder abuse and exploitation, with harsher punishments for those who target vulnerable adults.Governor Brown emphasized the importance of protecting Oregon's elderly population, stating, "Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years with dignity and respect. This new law sends a clear message that elder abuse will not be tolerated in our state."The legislation comes at a time when cases of elder abuse are on the rise in Oregon. According to a recent report from the Oregon Department of Human Services, the number of reported cases of elder abuse has increased by 15% over the past year. Advocates for the elderly hope that the new law will help to curb this troubling trend and provide greater support for victims of abuse.In addition to the new protections for elderly residents, the law also includes provisions aimed at improving access to legal services for seniors. Specifically, the measure establishes a program to provide free legal assistance to elderly individuals in need of help with estate planning, guardianship issues, and other legal matters.Overall, the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Oregon's elderly population. With these new protections in place, the state is taking proactive measures to ensure that seniors are able to age in safety and security.