Bill > SF2146

This bill introduces a new legal mechanism for protecting vulnerable adults from financial exploitation by allowing them or their representatives to petition the court for a specialized order of protection. The bill defines a "vulnerable adult" and "financial exploitation" and establishes who can file such a petition, including the vulnerable adult themselves, their guardian or conservator, or an authorized representative. The petition must provide specific details about the potential financial exploitation and can be filed in the county where the petitioner, respondent, or vulnerable adult resides. The court can issue both temporary and permanent orders that may include prohibiting contact with the respondent, freezing assets or lines of credit, preventing further financial exploitation, and even removing the respondent from the vulnerable adult's residence. Filing fees are waived, and the court must provide assistance in preparing the petition. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for violating such an order, with escalating consequences for repeat offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Importantly, the bill requires that a maltreatment report be filed within five days of submitting the petition and mandates that any order be quickly communicated to local law enforcement. The goal is to provide a swift and comprehensive legal tool to protect vulnerable adults from financial abuse.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2146&ssn=0&y=2025