HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 130

(By Delegates Rowan, Williams, Border-Sheppard, Campbell, Duke, Ferro, Hamilton, Kelly, Moye, Overington, Perry, Pethtel, Romine, White and Zatezalo )

(Originating in the Committee on Senior Issues)

[Introduced March 10, 2015; referred to the Committee on Rules]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study and review current law, procedure and public services intended to protect against senior citizen financial abuse and exploitation and to study the feasibility of developing and providing additional effective tools, resources and best practices to help protect senior citizens from financial abuse and exploitation.

            Whereas, Over sixteen percent of West Virginians are senior citizens sixty-five years of age or older and it has been projected that by 2035, the senior citizen population will constitute almost one fourth of the state’s total population ; and

            Whereas, many seniors are dependent on the assistance of others for the administration of their property, income and financial assets and well-being and therefore are at a heightened risk for financial exploitation; and

            Whereas, financial abuse and exploitation has become an increasing topic of concern by law enforcement as well as public agencies and service providers serving seniors in the state; and

            Whereas, West Virginia already has significant laws, procedures and public services in place intended to protect seniors from financial exploitation and abuse; however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that this problem persists and is perhaps increasing and that a comprehensive review of the protections provided by current laws, procedures and public services would be beneficial to address this problem;

             Whereas, additional tools and resources need to be examined and explored by this state and the Legislature to better address the problem of elder financial abuse and exploitation; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to study and review current law, procedure and public services intended to protect against senior citizen financial abuse and exploitation and to study the feasibility of developing and providing additional effective tools, resources and best practices to help protect senior citizens from financial abuse and exploitation.; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, 2016, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.