(NASHVILLE) — House members have unanimously supported passage of a measure sponsored by State Representative Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown) that strengthens penalties in cases of neglect involving elderly or vulnerable Tennesseans.
House Bill 2159 — also known as the Tennessee Elderly & Vulnerable Adult Protection Act of 2018 — increases penalties against those who neglect our elderly or vulnerable citizens.
It builds upon the work of House Bill 810 which was also sponsored by Representative Keisling during the 2017 legislative session and has since been signed into law.
According to the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability’s website, there are over 5 million elder abuse victims in the United States — more than the combined total of child abuse and domestic violence victims. Unfortunately, those numbers continue to rise.
House Bill 2159 is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to curb instances of abuse and neglect involving Tennessee’s elderly and vulnerable citizens while also ensuring they receive the appropriate care and are treated with the respect they deserve.
“Too often, we have seen our elderly and vulnerable citizens become victims of neglect, abuse, and financial exploitation,” said Representative Keisling. “Tennessee’s senior citizens have made lasting contributions to their communities. This measure adds new tools to ensure their safety is never jeopardized.”
House Bill 2159 now heads to Governor Haslam’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law. For more information, please click here.
Kelly Keisling serves as Chairman of the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. He also serves as a member of the House Transportation Committee and the House Insurance and Banking Committee. Keisling lives in Byrdstown and represents House District 38, which includes Macon, Clay, Pickett, Scott, and part of Fentress Counties. He can be reached by email at[email protected] or by calling (615) 741-6852.