Rowe Praises Passage of Bill to Prevent Elder Abuse

May 14, 2007

Attorney General Steve Rowe praised the passage of L.D. 1428, “An Act to Facilitate Reporting by Maine Financial Institutions of Elder Financial Exploitation”. This legislation provides immunity to banks and other financial institutions for good faith disclosures of suspected financial exploitation of dependent adults.

“This law provides Maine people an additional resource to help shield seniors from abuse, neglect and exploitation.” Rowe said. “The fundamental role of government is to protect the most vulnerable among us. By enacting this law we have done just that.”

The bill, which was submitted by the Attorney General and sponsored by Rep. John Brautigam (D-Falmouth), was passed by the House and the Senate earlier this month and signed into law by Governor John Baldacci on Friday, May 11, 2007. Rep Brautigam stated, “Today, those who care about Maine’s seniors can celebrate a new tool in the effort to stop financial abuse. I am pleased that the financial institutions of Maine have embraced this measure and now can be strong allies in the fight to protect a population that has too often been victimized.”

Organizations including the AARP, Maine Association of Community Banks, Maine Bankers Association, the Maine Credit Union League, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions joined Attorney General Rowe and Rep. Brautigam in supporting the bill.

“The efforts of all involved were instrumental in gaining passage of this important piece of legislation.” Rowe added, “My office looks forward to working with these organizations to maximize its benefits.”

For more information on L.D. 1428, please visit: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280024190

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David Loughran, Special Assistant to the Attorney General (207) 626-8577 OR david.loughran@maine.gov