LANSING — State Representative Lauren Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights) introduced House Bill 6111 today, which would prevent financial abuse of senior citizens. The proposal would assist in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against elderly victims by establishing the definition of “consent” in state law.
A vulnerable adult who consents to the transfer of their property should do so knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily. In Michigan, there is no clear, uniform sense of consent in the law. This legislation stems from a 2006 Governor’s Task Force on Elder Abuse Report, which made recommendations to state legislators for senior protections.
“The test for consent to financial exploitation should be held to a higher standard,” said Plawecki. “Preventing financial exploitation is a proposal I think we can all support. My mother, Julie, set the foundation for this proposal. I am honored that I was able to advance her work by introducing this bill.”