Missouri Senate Bill SB694

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 3/24/25

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to the elder abuse and neglect hotline

Impact

By modifying the statutory framework surrounding the elder abuse and neglect hotline, SB694 seeks to enhance the responsiveness of state services to suspected elder abuse incidents. The requirement for a 24/7 operational hotline underscores the commitment to ensuring that individuals in crisis can access help at any time. This change is expected to strengthen the ability of authorities to respond effectively to abuse cases and to coordinate with local and state agencies in addressing the needs of affected adults.

Summary

Senate Bill 694 aims to modify existing provisions related to the elder abuse and neglect hotline in Missouri. This legislation proposes the repeal of section 192.2410 and introduces a newly enacted section that provides details on the reporting process for elder abuse cases. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate reporting to ensure the protection of vulnerable adult populations. It mandates that all reports regarding suspected elder abuse must be conducted either orally or in writing and outlines essential information that must accompany such reports, including the name and age of the adult in question and details of their caretakers.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving the reporting mechanism for elder abuse, it may face scrutiny surrounding its implementation and the adequacy of resources provided for the operation of the hotline. Critics may argue that simply enhancing the reporting structure does not address the underlying issues related to resource allocation for the agencies responsible for investigating elder abuse reports. Questions may arise regarding whether adequate training and funding will be available to support the increased demand for elder protective services that this bill is likely to generate.