Panel approves expansion of elder‑exploitation protections and registry changes

Representative (presenter) introduced HB1290 to broaden the prohibited conduct for exploitation of an elder or disabled adult or resident of a long‑term care facility, replacing 'coercion' language with 'without consent' and expanding which actors may be covered so the statute captures exploitation by neighbors or family members as well as caregivers. The bill also proposes adding offenders convicted of exploitation to the appropriate offender registry similar to child‑exploitation entries.

Will Johnson, who accompanies the sponsor, answered technical questions from the committee about statutory definitions and confirmed references to existing code sections; committee members raised a clarification about where the statutory term 'resident' is defined. After brief questions, the subcommittee voted 'do pass' and moved HB1290 to the next stage.

What happens next: HB1290 proceeds to full committee with a do‑pass recommendation from the subcommittee.