WashingtonWatch.com - H.R. 5352, The Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008

Revision by webmaster (October 15, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

H.R. 5352 would protect seniors in the United States from elder abuse by establishing specialized elder abuse prosecution and research programs and activities to aid victims of elder abuse, to provide training to prosecutors and other law enforcement related to elder abuse prevention and protection.

Detailed Summary

Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008 - <b>Title I: Elder Abuse Victims</b> - (Sec. 101) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) study and report to Congress on state laws and practices relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (2) develop objectives, priorities, policies, and a long-term plan for elder justice programs and activities.

Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress any recommendations with respect to any federal legislation, regulations, or programs determined necessary to improve elder justice in the United States.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2015.

(Sec. 102) Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2015.

(Sec. 103) Directs the Attorney General to award grants to eligible entities to provide training, technical assistance, policy development, multidisciplinary coordination, and other types of support to local prosecutors and courts handling elder justice-related cases, funding in particular: (1) specially designated elder justice positions or units in local prosecutors' offices and local courts; and (2) the creation of a Center for the Prosecution of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation to advise and support local prosecutors and courts nationwide in the pursuit of such cases.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2015.

(Sec. 104) Directs the Attorney General to award similar grants to eligible entities to provide support to state prosecutors and courts, employees of state Attorneys General, and Medicaid Fraud Control Units handling elder justice-related matters.

Authorizes use of such grants to: (1) establish specially designated elder justice positions or units in state prosecutors' offices and state courts; and (2) create a position to coordinate elder justice-related cases, training, technical assistance, and policy development for state prosecutors and courts.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2015.

(Sec. 105) Directs the Attorney General to award similar grants to eligible entities to provide support to police, sheriffs, detectives, public safety officers, corrections personnel, and other first responders who handle elder justice-related matters to fund specially designated elder justice positions or units designed to support first responders in elder justice matters.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2015.

(Sec. 106) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) require each recipient to use a portion of grant funds to conduct a validated evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities carried out through the grant; or (2) use a portion of funds under this title to assist an eligible entity to conduct such an evaluation.

Prescribes general requirements for grant applications and their review and selection.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2015.

(Sec. 107) Defines eligible entity as a state or local government agency, Indian tribe or tribal organization, or any other public or nonprofit private entity that is engaged in and has expertise in issues relating to elder justice or a field necessary to promote elder justice efforts.

<b>Title II: Elder Serve Victim Grant Programs</b> - (Sec. 201) Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Office of Victims of Crime of the Department of Justice, to carry out a three-year Elder Serve Victim program to provide grants to eligible entities (crime victim assistance programs receiving grants under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984) to establish programs to facilitate and coordinate programs for victims of elder abuse.

Requires a recipient to use its grant to establish an Emergency Crisis Response Team program, which shall: (1) include immediate, short-term emergency services, including shelter, care services, food, clothing, transportation to medical or legal appointments; and (2) provide other appropriate services to victims of elder abuse.

Limits short-term housing for such victims to 30 days.

Requires a grant recipient also to establish counseling, mental health screening, emergency legal advocacy, job placement assistance, bereavement counseling, and other appropriate service programs.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2011.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/2/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (October 3, 2008, 01:00:00)

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) study and report to Congress on state laws and practices relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (2) develop and implement policies and a long-term plan for elder justice programs and related activities.

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Directs the Attorney General to: (1) award grants to support local and state prosecutors and general law enforcement in elder justice matters; and (2) establish procedures to ensure that the Department of Justice dedicates resources to investigating and prosecuting elder justice cases.

Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to add a new part B (Elder Justice) establishing an Elder Justice Coordinating Council and the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/2/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of October 2, 2008

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT

10/2/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Revision by webmaster (September 25, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 9/24/2008: Received in the Senate.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (September 24, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 9/23/2008: Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 387 - 28 (Roll no. 626).

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of September 24, 2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

9/24/2008: Received in the Senate.

Revision by webmaster (September 23, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 9/22/2008: House floor actions. Status: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of September 23, 2008

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

9/23/2008: Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 387 - 28 (Roll no. 626).

Status as of September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

9/22/2008: House floor actions. Status: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

Comment by Debra Garner (August 28, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

As a Forensic Doctor of Nursing Practice student focusing on elder abuse, I realize the need for such a bill. The bill contains defintions, which at this time vary among disciplines and areas of practice. It would create a community awareness of a problem that exists in this vulnerable population. As voters we should encourage others to assist in the passing of legislation that will awaken a problem of great magnitude and encourage resolution through community awareness and support!!!...

Comment by Bob Wiggins (June 19, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I recently lost my mother to Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Va. This bill is needed so badly to protect our elders and train our police department to become informed what they need to look for in Elder Neglect, they also need laws in place to properly proscute the person that abuse and neglect our Elder . H.R. 6141 is another bill that needs to pass our Congress to protect and stop needless lose of LIFE. I would love to answer any question inregards to experience with Elder Neglect and Abuse. Please remember, we all have mothers and fathers as well as the millions of young adults in our Nursing Homes....

Revision by webmaster (June 13, 2008, 01:00:00)

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/11/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of June 11, 2008

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

6/11/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Revision by webmaster (May 16, 2008, 01:00:00)

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 5/14/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (May 15, 2008, 01:00:00)

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 5/13/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of May 14, 2008

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

5/14/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Status as of May 13, 2008

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

5/13/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

Revision by webmaster (May 7, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 5/6/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of May 6, 2008

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

5/6/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Revision by webmaster (April 22, 2008, 01:00:00)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of April 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

4/17/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Revision by webmaster (March 7, 2008, 01:00:00)

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Detailed Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants for study of the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including related pilot programs.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 2/12/2008: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Comment by Catherine (February 15, 2008, 01:00:00)

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

It is a sad commentary that such legislation is needed. Elders are revered in more civilized cultures, but are too often preyed upon in ours . . . they need protection....

Revision by webmaster (February 13, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Detailed Summary

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Status of the Legislation

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Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (February 13, 2008, 01:00:00)

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Detailed Summary

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Status of the Legislation

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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