After two years of hard work, the amendments to the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099) passed unanimously today before the 36th Legislature. AARP VI testified in support of the amendments to the territory’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099). This Bill was sponsored by Senator-at-Large Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
"Elder abuse is not an abstract problem - it is a harsh reality in our islands. Too often, it is hidden in silence, whether in the form of financial exploitation, physical harm, neglect, or psychological manipulation. Each case represents not just a crime, but a betrayal of trust and a violation of the fundamental right to live with dignity and safety," stated AARP State Director Troy De Chabert-Schuster.
The AARP-backed bill would require employees of financial institutions to put a hold on transactions if they suspect a person 60 or older is a victim of fraud.
The kiosks—often located in gas stations, groceries or convenience stores—convert cash into difficult-to-trace digital currency. Growth in such scams has led to calls for legislation to better protect South Carolina consumers.
When a group of older residents went to the Little Rock mayor for help after losing access to a swimming pool in 2017, little did they know the city was also about to lose its only senior center. That will soon be addressed.