Legislature(2011 - 2012)
2011-02-09 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2011-02-09 House Journal Page 0211 HB 150 HOUSE BILL NO. 150 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the protection of property of persons under disability and minors; relating to the crime of violating a protective order concerning certain vulnerable persons; relating to aggravating factors at sentencing for offenses concerning a victim 65 years or older; relating to the protection of vulnerable adults; amending Rule 12(h), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; amending Rule 45(a), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; amending Rule 65, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; amending Rule 17, Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure; amending Rule 9, Alaska Rules of Administration; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2. Zero, Dept. of Administration 3. Zero, Dept. of Law 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Public Safety 5. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 6. Indeterminate, Dept. of Corrections The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 8, 2011, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the protection of property of persons under disability; relating to the crime of violating 2011-02-09 House Journal Page 0212 a protective order concerning certain vulnerable persons; relating to aggravating factors at sentencing for offenses concerning a victim 65 years or older; and relating to the protection of vulnerable adults. Financial exploitation of the elderly and other vulnerable adults is a growing problem. Victims of financial exploitation may not need a guardian, but may need assistance stopping immediate misuse or theft of their money. These victims find it difficult to access the courts and obtain prompt and inexpensive relief. With a temporary conservator, the vulnerable victim retains autonomy while receiving assistance. The ex parte relief from fraud procedure is similar to the existing domestic violence protection law, providing a means for vulnerable adults to independently obtain straightforward, expedited relief from immediate financial exploitation. I am committed to protecting our seniors and other vulnerable adults. This legislation strengthens the laws against financial exploitation and enhances the ability to obtain emergency protection orders for seniors. It improves the ability of those investigating reports of harm to obtain vital information in a timely manner, and will lead to better services and safety for vulnerable adults who are abused, neglected, or exploited and unable to protect their own interests. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor"