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In a significant move to protect the rights and well-being of elderly citizens, the Oregon legislature has passed a new elder law bill on February 9, 2026. The bill, known as the Elder Rights and Protection Act, aims to strengthen legal safeguards for seniors and enhance the enforcement of laws designed to prevent elder abuse and exploitation.Under the provisions of the Elder Rights and Protection Act, the state will establish a dedicated task force to investigate complaints of elder abuse and neglect. The task force will work closely with law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and other stakeholders to identify and address instances of mistreatment or exploitation of elderly individuals.The bill also includes provisions for the creation of a statewide registry of individuals convicted of elder abuse or related offenses. This registry will be accessible to law enforcement agencies, adult protective services, and other authorized entities to facilitate the identification and tracking of individuals with a history of abusing or exploiting seniors.Additionally, the Elder Rights and Protection Act introduces new penalties for individuals found guilty of elder abuse, including increased fines and mandatory counseling or educational programs on elder abuse prevention. The bill also provides enhanced legal protections for vulnerable seniors, such as expanding the powers of court-appointed guardians and conservators to intervene in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.In a statement following the passage of the bill, Governor Kate Brown hailed the Elder Rights and Protection Act as a major step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of Oregon's elderly population. "Our seniors deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from the threat of abuse or exploitation," Governor Brown said. "I commend the legislature for taking decisive action to protect our most vulnerable citizens and uphold their rights under the law."The passage of the Elder Rights and Protection Act marks a significant milestone in Oregon's efforts to enhance legal protections for seniors and combat the growing problem of elder abuse. With the new law in place, advocates hope to see a reduction in incidents of mistreatment and exploitation of elderly individuals, as well as increased awareness and vigilance in the community to safeguard the rights of seniors.