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Elder Justice Act 2006
On November 16, 2005, Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), introduced legislation aimed at increasing the detection,
prevention, and prosecution of elder abuse.
In his statement introducing the Elder Justice Act (S. 2010), the Senator said, "Thousands of cases of elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation go unaddressed each day. Yet no federal employee works full-time to address elder abuse and neglect.
This bill will give much-needed attention and resources to fighting these crimes and providing seniors the protections
they need to live safely and securely."
In a statement released by the Elder Justice Coalition, former U.S. Senator John B. Breaux, who authored similar legislation (S. 333)
during the previous Congress, underlined the need for the law. "At a time when reported cases of elder abuse have risen by more
than 60 percent in the past decade, it remains disturbing that less than 2 percent of all funds spent on abuse protection at the
federal level go to elder abuse prevention," he said.
On March 16, Rep. Peter King (R-New York), chairperson of the House Committee on Homeland Security, introduced the House
version of the 2006 Elder Justice Act (H.R. 4993).
Elder Justice Coalition
The Elder Justice Coalition, a non-partisan coalition of national, regional, state, and local advocacy groups and concerned citizens,
is working to promote public understanding and support of the Elder Justice Act.
Learn more: http://www.elderjusticecoalition.com/
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