What's happening
This bill expands the definition of "caregiver" for vulnerable elderly or disabled persons to include those responsible by law or voluntarily.
Why it matters
Broadens legal accountability. By including those who voluntarily assume care, or are responsible “by operation of law” (such as family members, legal guardians, or others obligated by statute), the bill significantly expands who can be held criminally liable for neglect or endangerment of vulnerable persons.
Addresses informal caregiving. Many elderly or disabled individuals rely on informal arrangements (friends, neighbors, or extended family who aren’t paid or court-ordered). This bill ensures these caregivers are also subject to legal standards, potentially improving protections for vulnerable people.
Potential deterrent effect. The expanded definition may discourage neglect or abuse by making more people aware that taking on caregiving duties—formally or informally—comes with serious legal responsibilities and consequences.
Legal clarity and consistency. By specifying that “caregiver” covers anyone with responsibility for care (by law or voluntarily), the bill reduces ambiguity in prosecutions and strengthens the legal framework for protecting at-risk adults.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Protect Vulnerable Elderly
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
9 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1768
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 13, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. MORELLE, CRESPO, GUNTHER, BRINDISI, LUPARDO, JAFFEE, SIMOTAS, WEPRIN, BRAUNSTEIN, JENNE -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. GALEF, HOOPER, MAGEE, RA, THIELE, TITONE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 260.31 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 14 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as follows:
1. "Caregiver" means a person who (i) assumes responsibility for the care of a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person pursuant to a court order[; or], or otherwise by operation of law; (ii) receives monetary or other valuable consideration for providing such care; or (iii) voluntarily assumes responsibility for providing care for a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00934-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.