North Carolina

SC bill to protect elderly, vulnerable from abuse

COLUMBIA, S.C. — (AP) A push is being made to step up protections against scams and abuse for South Carolina's elderly and vulnerable.

Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell and state Sen. Thomas Alexander are set to introduce legislation Wednesday to toughen penalties for those who take advantage of the elderly or vulnerable. The proposal closes loopholes in a 1993 law that attempted to protect such citizens.

The lieutenant governor and the Oconee Republican say their bill expands protections for those over 60 and the vulnerable from abuse, neglect, exploitation and human trafficking.

McConnell is in charge of the state's office on aging and Alexander is chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging.

South Carolina has 900,000 seniors, a number McConnell says will double in 15 years.