Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: May 23, 2008
Sen. Ron Justice
Senate Passes Elder Abuse Bill
Both the Senate and House unanimously approved a measure Thursday
making various types of abuse against elderly and incapacitated
Oklahomans a felony. Principal Senate author Sen. Ron
Justice said the measure, which strengthens Elderly and Incapacitated
Person Act, was long over due.
"We do all we can to protect our children and we need to do
the same for our elderly and disabled. Society sometimes tends to
forget about these individuals but they are just as vulnerable if
not more so than children because most don’t have the supervision
that children do," said Justice, R-Chickasha.
"Unfortunately, we have some in our society that prey on these
individuals physically and financially because many of them don't
have anyone looking out for their well-being, and we need to have
laws in place to keep that from happening."
SB 1600 was a request bill from the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature.
The measure increases the punishment from a misdemeanor to a felony
for the crimes of assault and battery, aggravated assault and battery,
assault with a weapon and caretaker abuse including verbal, physical
and sexual abuse as well as exploitation.
“I’m so glad to finally get this important bill to the
Governor’s desk. It’s going to make a world a difference
for so many in our state,” said Justice. “These individuals
are the people that helped shape our great state. They worked hard
all their lives and this bill will help protect their rights and
ensure that their final years are peaceful ones.”
The bill now advances to the Governor’s desk.
For more information
contact:
Sen. Justice's Office: (405) 521-5537
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