Summary of 1980 Legislation Re Crime Victims and Non-Criminal Matters With Particular Emphasis on Older Persons - Obtained From Governor's Offices by Request of the Associations

• NCJ Number: 73825
• Author(s): C H Schafer
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 46 pages
• Corporate Author: American Assoc of Retired Persons; National Retired Teachers Assoc
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Legislation proposed or enacted during 1979-1980 that affects elderly persons is summarized for each State.

Abstract

Data was collected from governors' offices by the National Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of Retired Persons. The summary provides brief descriptions of bills and their status, as well as noting what States did not consider legislation having special relevance for the elderly. Many statutes mandate specific sentences for offenders who attack older or disabled persons and establish restitution programs to help victims. Other laws concern reporting abuse of elderly citizens, retirement benefits, interpreters for witnesses who are deaf, and exempting senior citizens from jury duty. Consumer protection laws which could assist the elderly govern condominium conversions, marketing of generic drugs, the funeral industry, and nursing homes. Guardianship proceedings are discussed in a few States, as are 'death with dignity' statutes. Florida, New Jersey, and Wisconsin are among the States having the most legislative activity that affect the elderly. Information from Tennesse includes recommendations developed by a special legislative committee on the problems of the elderly.