FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6403

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

C 156 L 12

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Removing financial barriers to persons seeking vulnerable adult protection orders.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senator Regala).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: A vulnerable adult is a person who is 60 years of age or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for himself or herself; has been found to be incapacitated; has a developmental disability; has been admitted to a facility such as a nursing home, boarding home, or adult family home; or receives services from home health, hospice or home care agencies, or an individual provider. A vulnerable adult may seek relief from abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect by filing a petition for an order for protection in superior court in the county where the vulnerable adult resides. No filing fee may be charged to a vulnerable adult for filing such a petition; standard forms and written instructions must be provided free of charge.

Summary: A public agency may not charge a filing fee or a fee for service of process to a vulnerable adult seeking relief from abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. Vulnerable adults must be provided the necessary number of certified copies at no cost.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

47

0

House

97

0

(House amended)

Senate

45

0

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

June 7, 2012