Guam removes statute of limitations for financial and property exploitation, abuse of elderly person, individuals with disability

GUAM—Bill No. 243-37 (COR) is now known as Public Law 37-115, after the island’s chief executive signed the legislation into Guam law on July 22.

The law, authored by Democrat Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas, removes the statute of limitations in civil claims for financial or property exploitation and abuse of an elderly person or individuals with disability.

“Thank you to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and my colleagues in the 37th Guam Legislature for enacting this much-needed legislation that puts the law on the side of victims of financial and property exploitation, and abuse,” said Sen. San Nicolas. “Public Law 37-115 will help support our manåmko and individuals with disabilities by lifting the statute of limitations for those who seek justice. This law protects and helps manåmko and people with disabilities find justice in incidents of financial and property exploitation, and abuse.”

According to the National Council on Aging, up to five million older Americans are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion. The Council also states that in about 60% of elderly abuse incidents, the perpetrator is a family member, usually the spouse or the children of the victim. (PR)

Guam Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas