Jefferson-backed senior citizen laws take effect Jan. 1

Staff Report

A longtime advocate for senior citizens and people with disabilities, state Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D-Rockford) is highlighting several measures taking effect soon aimed to help make parking more accessible and prevent elder abuse.

“Some important pieces of legislation that impact seniors and people with disabilities will begin in the New Year,” Jefferson said. “From preventing elder abuse to cracking down on parking scofflaws, we cannot forget our senior citizens and people with disabilities who deserve the best care and consideration.”

In an effort to better detect and prevent elder abuse, Jefferson helped pass Public Act 97-0862, which requires courses on elder abuse, neglect and other crimes against the elderly be included in police trainings. Additionally, he helped pass Public Act 97-0864 to expand the transparency of records of reported elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect.

To help combat fraud and make it easier for people with disabilities to find accessible parking, Jefferson helped pass several measures to crack down on scams and illegal use of disability parking spaces and license plates. Public Act 97-0844 strengthens penalties and suspensions for using fake or altered disability license plates or parking decals. The Jefferson-backed Public Act 97-0845 increases ticketing for scammers using parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the law will exempt persons with disabilities from time restrictions on parking spaces.

“These new disability parking laws will make things fairer, and will give law enforcement the tools they need to fight scammers,” Jefferson said. “Going forward, I welcome supporting additional legislation that will improve public safety and increase economic opportunities for people in the Rockford community.”

All laws mentioned take effect Jan. 1, 2013. For more information, contact Jefferson’s full-time constituent service office at (815) 987-7433.

From the Dec. 26, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, issue