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On August 4, 2025, Vermont lawmakers announced the introduction of a new set of elder law protections aimed at addressing financial exploitation of the state's senior population.The new legislation, known as the Elder Financial Protection Act, includes several key provisions to safeguard older adults from scams, fraud, and abuse. One of the central components of the law is the establishment of a dedicated task force to investigate and prosecute cases of financial exploitation targeting seniors. The task force will consist of law enforcement officials, social workers, and legal experts who will work together to identify and address instances of elder financial abuse.In addition to the task force, the Elder Financial Protection Act also includes provisions for increased education and outreach to raise awareness about common scams and how to prevent them. This includes workshops, seminars, and other resources to help seniors and their families recognize warning signs of financial exploitation and take steps to protect themselves.Vermont Attorney General, Sarah Jones, praised the new legislation, stating, "Elder financial exploitation is a growing problem in our state, and we must do everything we can to protect our seniors from falling victim to scams and fraud. The Elder Financial Protection Act provides important tools and resources to combat this issue and ensure that our older adults can age with dignity and security."The Elder Financial Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a significant impact on the safety and security of Vermont's senior population. Lawmakers are hopeful that the new law will serve as a model for other states looking to improve protections for older adults against financial exploitation.