SB536 - Lauderdale County Elder Abuse Prevention Act

• Creates the Lauderdale County Council for the Prevention of Elder Abuse with members including local legislators, Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature representatives, sheriff, probate judge, district attorney, mayor of Florence, bar association president, county department directors, and representatives from faith-based, banking, financial planning, and mental health communities.

• Defines elder abuse to include emotional/psychological abuse, material exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, self-neglect, and sexual abuse of persons age 60 or above.

• Council shall meet at least bi-monthly with open public meetings and must appoint a chair from its membership; members cannot vote on matters providing them direct financial benefit.

• Council must develop and semi-annually review a comprehensive countywide system of care plan addressing barriers to reporting elder abuse, coordinated services for victims, fiscal analysis of prevention programs, and annual implementation steps.

• Lead agency designated by the council shall oversee general administration, supervision, and monitoring of all council activities; act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.