Bill would expand fines to more elder abuse crimes

CARSON CITY (AP) - A bill attaching civil fines to more kinds of elder abuse crimes got unanimous support in a legislative committee Tuesday.

SB55 allows the attorney general to collect fines for crimes such as fraud against a person over 60 years old, in addition to abuse, neglect, and isolation. Those crimes already carry a criminal penalty.

Representatives of the attorney general's office said authorizing the fines, which range from $5,000 for a first offense to $30,000 for subsequent offenses, will promote justice for senior adults. It will also make more money available for victim compensation and elder abuse investigations.

The bill was passed Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now heads to the Senate floor.