An Act increasing the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill increases penalties for businesses or individuals who engage in unfair or deceptive practices targeting older adults and people with disabilities. It establishes a fund to support educational materials and seminars aimed at protecting these vulnerable populations from scams and misleading investments. The bill also amends existing law to allow courts to impose additional civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation if the court finds the conduct specifically targeted older adults or people with disabilities and caused them significant harm.
Key provisions
- Creates a fund to support consumer protection education for older adults and people with disabilities.
- Defines ‘older adult’ as someone aged 65 or older and ‘persons with disabilities’ based on a range of impairments.
- Allows courts to impose additional civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation when deceptive practices target older adults or people with disabilities.
- Outlines factors courts should consider when determining the amount of the penalty, including the defendant’s knowledge of the target group and the harm caused.
- Specifically lists potential harms that can be considered, such as loss of housing, retirement savings, or government benefits.
- Expands the definition of ‘persons with disabilities’ to include a broader range of conditions.
- Directs the Commonwealth to distribute educational materials to inform older adults and disabled persons about consumer protection laws.
- Provides for funding for educational seminars and projects aimed at preventing deceptive investment and marketing practices.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
Cosponsor
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