NY S00239

Establishes a statewide central registry in the Office for the Aging to receive and maintain reports of abuse and maltreatment of seniors (age 60+), accessible 24/7 via telephone, fax, email, and other communication methods.

Defines seven types of senior abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and self-neglect.

Mandates reporting of suspected senior abuse by healthcare workers, social workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, bankers, and facility personnel; violators subject to Class A misdemeanor charges and civil liability for damages.

Creates a Council on Elder Abuse with 15 governor-appointed members to advise the director on elder abuse prevention programs and establish regulations; requires annual reports on registry operations and statistics.

Adds Article 261 to Penal Law establishing new crimes: abandonment of elderly/disabled persons (Class E felony), endangering welfare of elderly/disabled persons (Class A misdemeanor to Class D felony depending on severity and victim vulnerability), and hate crime provisions for crimes targeting elderly/disabled victims.