Senate Bill Protecting Elderly and Disabled Citizens
Signed Into Law

JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Bill 689, approved by the Missouri Senate a few months into the 2012 legislative session, today (7-11) received executive approval.  With the governor’s signature, the legislation will criminalize “undue influence” against certain members of the disabled and elderly population in Missouri.

According to the bill, undue influence is defined as a crime of financial exploitation committed against an elderly or disabled person by taking advantage of the individual’s vulnerable state of mind, neediness, pain or agony.  It also includes improper use of various types of fiduciary authority.

If a person is found guilty of financially exploiting these citizens, Senate Bill 689 would give the court authority to order the offender to compensate for the victim’s loss.

Supporters of the legislation say it provides a mechanism to protect seniors and disabled individuals against those who want to take advantage and inflict financial harm.

The deadline is quickly approaching for the governor to sign the rest of the measures still awaiting action that were delivered to his desk during the 2012 legislative session.  The last day for the governor to sign or veto any measure is July 14.

To see a complete list of the bills truly agreed to and finally passed by the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Truly Agreed Bills” link under the “Legislation” tab.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.