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The House Committee on the Judiciary Advances Garcia's and Spartz’s Bipartisan Elder Abuse Protection Act of 2021

May 18, 2021

Contact: Daniela Campos Lopez – daniela.campos@mail.house.gov - +1 202 256-2198

Washington D.C.- Today, the House Committee on the Judiciary advanced the The Elder Abuse Protection Act of 2021, introduced by Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (IN-05).

This bipartisan bill would direct the Attorney General to establish the Elder Justice Initiative within the Department of Justice, an initiative that would be responsible for coordinating criminal enforcement and public engagement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud and scams that target elders.

"This pandemic has reminded us how our seniors are one of our most vulnerable communities in our country who disproportionately suffer the consequences of elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud. This is even more visible in seniors who belong to communities of color, including the Latino community," said Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29). "I am encouraged by the committee's decision to advance The Elder Abuse Protection Act of 2021. This is a critical step in making sure that our seniors can live with dignity and respect, and that they are not the targets of scams that can seriously jeopardize their livelihoods. We must protect our seniors so they can begin to heal from the pandemic's lifechanging consequences."

"I greatly appreciate Rep. Garcia's and the committee's work in advancing this important legislation. The pandemic was particularly difficult for our seniors and more vulnerable populations as criminals used it as an opportunity to prey on them through numerous fraudulent efforts," said Representative Victoria Spartz (IN-05). "I will continue to advocate for our seniors and make sure criminals and fraudsters are held accountable."

H.R. 2922 - The Elder Abuse Protection Act of 2021 would:

  • Make the Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) a permanent office within the Department of Justice by granting the Attorney General the discretion to place the EJI in whatever component in the Department the Attorney General sees fit.
  • Require the Elder Justice Coordinators to evaluate training models and best practices to create publicly available materials for local law enforcement and public officials tasked with investigating, interacting with victims of elder abuse, or addressing elder abuse.
  • Mandate that the Elder Justice Initiative maintain and publish information aimed at protecting elders from fraudulent schemes and include resources aimed at preventing elder abuse.
  • Require the Attorney General launch a national elder fraud telephone hotline, require the Elder Justice Coordinator make permanent consultations with the Office of Tribal Justice, as well as require the Elder Justice Coordinator consult on legal aid issues with whomever the Attorney General designates.
  • Require the Attorney General's Office to translate any online resources that the Elder Justice Initiative publishes into Spanish, and to post Spanish-language links that facilitate reporting of elder fraud and abuse to State and local law enforcement and help educate the public to prevent the financial exploitation of elders.

This bipartisan legislation is also supported by the Center for Medicare Advocacy; Social Security Works, Elder Justice Coalition; National Council on Aging; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Click here to read the full bill text.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.