An Act protecting property of elder or disabled persons

This bill strengthens penalties for stealing property from elderly individuals or people with disabilities in Massachusetts. It makes it a more serious crime to take property worth over $1,000 from these vulnerable groups, increasing potential prison time and fines compared to standard theft charges. The law also adds specific protections against caretakers by requiring written, witnessed consent from the owner for any property transfer, unless the caretaker has a conflict of interest. Additionally, it mandates that anyone involved in such a transaction must check if the owner has a caretaker if there is any doubt about the owner's ability to make decisions. Finally, the bill requires courts to order the return of stolen property or payment of its full value to the victim.