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House updates adult protective services law, defines elder abuse at 65
Summary
Lawmakers unanimously passed HB98 to modernize Adult Protective Services, define 'elder abuse' (age 65), move penalties into the criminal code and clarify interagency coordination, citing a recent surge in referrals.
The House passed House Bill 98 unanimously on Feb. 20 to update Utah’s adult protective-services law and to create a statutory definition of elder abuse.
Representative Lloyd Franzen, sponsor, told the chamber elder and disabled adult abuse referrals are increasing in Utah. He said the agency is handling roughly 240 referrals per month and noted a reported 19% increase in referrals from the prior year. HB98 updates terminology and definitions, moves criminal penalties for abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders and disabled adults into the criminal code, and clarifies the coordinating role of Adult Protective Services with law enforcement and prosecutors.
Franzen said the bill has broad support from groups including AARP, prosecutors, law enforcement and the Department of Human Services. The House passed HB98, 66–0, and forwarded the measure to the Senate.
