Mental health; vulnerable adult abuse; Office of the Attorney General; registry; information; effective date.
Impact
The bill fundamentally impacts state laws regarding the treatment of vulnerable adults by positioning the Attorney General's office as a central authority for documenting and tracking incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. By creating a publicly accessible registry, the bill aims to prevent future occurrences of such offenses and ensure greater protection for vulnerable community members. It provides a legal framework for accountability, as judicial findings of guilt will be documented and made available to the public.
Summary
House Bill 2753 establishes the Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Report Registry, which is intended to provide a public record of individuals who have been convicted of crimes against vulnerable adults. The bill mandates that the Office of the Attorney General create and maintain this registry, ensuring it is accessible online and updated quarterly. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, from mistreatment and exploitation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 2753 appears to be positive, with broad support from legislators recognizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults. The overwhelming vote in favor of the bill during its passage, receiving 85 yeas and no nays in the House, reflects a consensus on the necessity of addressing vulnerabilities in state law. However, the discussions around implementation might express concerns regarding privacy and the management of sensitive information collected in the registry.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance between transparency and the privacy rights of vulnerable adults involved in these cases. While proponents argue that the registry is essential for preventing further abuse and ensuring public safety, critics may voice concerns about the potential stigmatization of individuals listed in the registry, especially if the definitions of abuse or neglect are perceived as overly broad. Such debates highlight the challenges of implementing protective measures while respecting individual rights.
Alzheimer's disease; multidisciplinary team for investigation and prosecution of elder or vulnerable adult abuse; requirement for the multidisciplinary team; effective date.
Vulnerable adults; transferring responsibility of the report; requiring monthly updates; requiring certain format; directing certain distribution of report. Effective date.