Legislation that would encourage the reporting of financial exploitation of vulnerable adults by offering immunity was filed in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
"Pre-file" day comes ahead of the new General Assembly session, giving state reps a chance to put their bills front and center as they prepare to reconvene.
House Bill 298, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Miro, R-Pike Creek Valley, seeks to ban the use of hand-held cell phones in moving vehicles.
Legislation of this type has failed before, but recently, Wilmington and Elsmere both enacted their own local versions, according to House Minority Caucus officials.
Under House Bill 302, sponsored by Rep. Bryon H. Short, D-Highland Woods, any person who makes a “good faith report” to the authorities of suspected financial exploitation of the elderly and infirm adults would be immune from criminal and civil liability for making that report. The bill is designed to encourage people to report such suspected crimes.
“Many times, people become aware of someone exploiting seniors and vulnerable adults, but they are afraid that they will faces charges themselves because they have knowledge of the alleged crime,” Rep. Short said. “We want to encourage everyone to come forward and report these crimes so we can put the real criminals behind bars and better protect our seniors and other vulnerable members of society.”
The immunity offered in the bill would not apply if the person making the report participated in the financial fraud.
House Bill 302 has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
Another bill filed Thursday would add several emergency personnel to a group of first responders who are protected if they are assaulted. House Bill 299, sponsored by Rep. E. Bradford “Brad” Bennett, D-Dover South, would add emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, fire police and fire marshals to a list that includes police officers, correctional officers and full-time firefighters.
Currently, if a person intentionally causes physical injury to a first responder, they can be charged with first-degree or second-degree assault. EMTs, paramedics, fire police and fire marshals are not currently covered.
“There have been various instances where EMTs have responded to help accident victims and the victims become violent and assault the first responders,” Rep. Bennett said. “I feel it’s important that all first responders be treated equally in the eyes of the law. We must protect those who put their lives on the line every day to protect and save us.”
House Bill 299 has been assigned to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.
