S1202

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday establishing an Interagency Elder Justice Task Force to combat fraud and abuse against seniors through coordinated state agency efforts. Senate Print 1202, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, creates the task force within the Office for the Aging and requires it to solicit input from stakeholders, advocates and experts while meeting at least monthly. The bill mandates five public hearings across New York State within one year of enactment and requires the task force to submit findings and recommendations within two years. Sen. Cleare argued the measure is timely given seniors represent the state's fastest-growing population segment and remain vulnerable to fraud and mistreatment. Sen. Borrello supported the bill, noting it would coordinate existing elder fraud prevention efforts and amplify voices of organizations like the Center for Elder Law and Justice in Buffalo. The measure passed on a voice vote with 61 senators voting in favor.