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Hassan Passes Law Strengthening Financial Exploitation Penalties

Gov. Maggie Hassan has signed a law that strengthens the penalties for financially exploiting the elderly and other vulnerable New Hampshire citizens.

The bill signed Thursday establishes the crime of financial exploitation, which includes intentionally abusing the trust of an elderly or impaired adult to gain access to their money and assets. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, makes it a crime to use the person's money or assets for personal gain rather than to provide them with food, clothing, shelter and other care.

People who make a good faith effort to help elderly, disabled or impaired adults manage their money would be exempt.

Hassan said society has a responsibility to ensure people's rights are not violated as they age or because they are impaired.

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