S. 720-A: Senior Anti-Violence and Enforcement Act (SAVE)

• Establishes a statewide central registry in the State Office for the Aging to receive, maintain, and provide access to reports of senior abuse and maltreatment accessible 24/7 through telephone, fax, email, and other communication methods.

• Creates mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare workers, social workers, law enforcement, bankers, attorneys, and other professionals who suspect senior abuse; failure to report is a Class A misdemeanor with civil liability for damages.

• Defines seven categories of senior abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and self-neglect, with investigation and disposition timelines for designated agencies.

• Establishes new penal offenses including abandonment of elderly or disabled persons (Class E felony), endangering welfare of vulnerable elderly persons (Class E and D felonies), and hate crimes targeting seniors with enhanced penalties.

• Creates a Council on Elder Abuse with 15 members appointed by the Governor to advise on elder abuse programs, and implements funding through a Senior Anti-Violence Services Account supported by new court fees of $5-$500 per conviction.