HB 2718 - DIGEST

Provides that, when any person is found guilty in any superior, district, or juvenile court of having committed any of the crimes listed in this act where the victim is an elderly person or a vulnerable adult, the court may impose upon the convicted person a penalty assessment. If the penalty is imposed, it shall be in addition to any other penalty or fine imposed by law, including a penalty assessment imposed under RCW 7.68.035.

Declares that the amount of the penalty shall be up to ten thousand dollars per conviction for felonies, up to five thousand dollars per conviction for gross misdemeanors, and up to one thousand dollars per conviction for misdemeanors.

Declares that "vulnerable adult" means a person found incapacitated under chapter 11.88 RCW, a person over eighteen years of age who has a developmental disability under chapter 71A.10 RCW, a person admitted to a long-term care facility that is licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 18.20, 18.51, 72.36, or 70.128 RCW, or a person receiving services from a home health, hospice, or home care agency licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW.

Creates the elder and vulnerable adult fraud prevention account in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from fines, assessments, or forfeitures collected under RCW 19.86.080(2)(b), 19.86.090(1) (a)(ii) or (b)(ii), or section 1 or 6 of this act must be deposited into the account.

Provides that expenditures from the account may only be used to fund activities relating to advocating on behalf of, or preventing fraud against, elderly persons or vulnerable adults.