Tillis, Fitzpatrick propose Senior Legal Hotline Act

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently unveiled bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would authorize a national network of statewide senior legal hotlines to help protect older Americans from scams.

“With thousands of Americans turning 65 every day, the need to provide accessible legal assistance to our growing senior population is one we must tackle immediately,” said Sen. Tillis. “Senior legal hotlines play a vital role in providing those services to our seniors, and this bipartisan, bicameral legislation will support these organizations so we can expand affordable legal assistance to those in need.”

Sen. Tillis is the lead original cosponsor of the bipartisan Senior Legal Hotline Act, S. 2106, which was sponsored on June 17 by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA). Rep. Fitzpatrick and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) on the same day offered the identical version, H.R. 3981, in their chamber.

“Senior legal hotlines can provide invaluable advice and resources on issues affecting our elderly community like health, housing, and other legal assistance concerns,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “By expanding the network of senior assistance hotlines, and providing federal funding, we can also protect our seniors from scams and misinformation.” 

According to the lawmakers, senior legal hotlines provide older adults access to free legal information, advice and referrals on myriad topics, including health, finances, housing, income maintenance, and disability. However, a lack of resources means many hotlines are no longer operational or have scaled back their hours.

If enacted, the measure specifically would provide resources to ensure older adults have access to statewide hotlines staffed with appropriately trained attorneys, paralegals and other staff members, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers’ offices.

Additionally, the bill would ensure older adults receive access to a robust network of support and referral services, including from aging organizations, other legal aid agencies and private attorneys providing pro bono legal services; and would allow hotlines to employ a variety of technologies, such as video conference systems, web-based platforms or e-mail to deliver legal assistance to older adults, the summary says.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Association of Senior Legal Hotlines, Connecticut Legal Services Inc., and Vermont Legal Aid Inc.