More Elder Law news More news in Oregon Find Elder Law lawyers in Oregon
On March 9, 2026, Oregon made a groundbreaking move in the realm of elder law by introducing new protections aimed at combating financial exploitation of senior citizens. The new legislation, known as the Elder Financial Protection Act, was signed into law by Governor Kate Brown in a bid to safeguard some of the state's most vulnerable residents.The Elder Financial Protection Act includes several key provisions designed to prevent and address instances of financial abuse against the elderly. One of the most significant aspects of the new law is the establishment of a dedicated Elder Financial Protection Unit within the Oregon Department of Justice. This specialized unit will be tasked with investigating reports of financial exploitation, pursuing legal action against perpetrators, and providing support and resources to victims.In addition to the creation of the Elder Financial Protection Unit, the new law also expands the definition of financial exploitation to include a wider range of harmful behaviors, such as unauthorized use of a senior's funds, fraud, and undue influence. This expanded definition aims to give law enforcement and prosecutors more tools to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.Furthermore, the Elder Financial Protection Act implements harsher penalties for those convicted of financial exploitation against elderly individuals. Offenders can now face felony charges, significant fines, and even prison time for committing crimes against seniors.The introduction of the Elder Financial Protection Act has been widely praised by advocates for the elderly in Oregon. Anne Smith, a spokesperson for the Oregon chapter of AARP, stated, "We applaud the state for taking decisive action to address the issue of financial exploitation of our seniors. This new law sends a strong message that this type of abuse will not be tolerated in Oregon."Overall, the Elder Financial Protection Act represents a major step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of Oregon's aging population. By providing stronger legal protections and resources for victims of financial exploitation, the state is taking a proactive stance in combatting elder abuse and upholding the rights of its elderly residents.