Feb. 26, 2024
HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Hogan (Bucks) recently introduced
House Bill 2064, which would protect seniors from financial exploitation by equipping financial institutions with the necessary tools for identifying, reporting, and preventing the financial exploitation of older adults and care-dependent individuals.
“Since taking office, I have heard too many stories of seniors being scammed out of their hard-earned dollars,” said Hogan. “My team and I have worked tirelessly to identify new protection programs and held several events to raise awareness and educate my neighbors about these scams. Now we are looking at legislative solutions. For the last few months, I have worked on this legislation with key stakeholders, and together we are taking a stand against those who prey on our senior population. These increased protections will ensure our seniors, or their caregivers, can live with a sense of security knowing their finances are being protected in Pennsylvania.”
This legislation would authorize, without imposing an obligation, the reporting and disclosure of essential records to state investigators. Additionally, financial institutions and fiduciaries would be able to temporarily delay transactions linked to suspected financial exploitation and engage in judicial proceedings to protect older adults.
It would also authorize the sharing of information and records between financial institutions, fiduciaries, and Area Agencies on Aging. Like other voluntary reporters to protective services, financial institutions and fiduciaries would be immune from civil or criminal liability when exercising their discretion to report, share records, provide information to Area Agencies on Aging, and temporarily delay financial transactions.
The bill has been cosponsored by Bucks County Reps. K.C. Tomlinson, Kristin Marcell, Shelby Labs, Craig Staats and others from across Pennsylvania.