SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passed significant safety legislation out of the Senate today that strengthens the penalties for those accused of financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability.

"By increasing the fines for financial exploitation, we are sending the message that we are serious about protecting our seniors and those with disabilities," Hutchinson said. "Anyone who has heard a story about or been a victim of this type of scheme knows how financially and emotionally devastating this can be."

House Bill 1689 also provides that if a person is found guilty of financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability the court may mandate the payment of all or a portion of medical, psychiatric or rehabilitative treatment that the victim of the crime may require. The legislation mandates that it is a Class 1 Felony to exploit $50,000 dollars or more and a Class 2 Felony for exploiting between $5,000 and $50,000 dollars.

"It is my hope that this legislation will deter crimes against our most vulnerable citizens, protecting them and allowing them to live without fear of being exploited," Hutchinson said.

House Bill 1689 passed the Illinois Senate on a 58-0 vote and now heads back to the Illinois House for concurrence before heading to the Governor for his approval.