Human Services Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-763
AN ACT REQUIRING DRIVERS OF PARATRANSIT VEHICLES TO REPORT
SUSPECTED ABUSE, NEGLECT, EXPLOITATION OR ABANDONMENT OF
Title: ELDERLY PERSONS.
Vote Date: 2/23/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/16/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Human Services Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill adds drivers of paratransit vehicles to the list of mandatory reporters. This
amendment would require drivers of paratransit vehicles to report any case where they
suspect abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of elderly persons. This bill was
created to close a gap that exists within Connecticuts mandatory reporting measures to
protect the elderly population. Extending the mandatory reporter definition to include ADA
Paratransit Bus Drivers ensures an extra layer of protection for this vulnerable group.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
No testimony was submitted.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Anna Doroghazi, AARP Connecticut, supports this bill because paratransit workers can be a
primary point of contact when elderly individuals experience dangerous situations. Ms.
Doroghazi explained that drivers of paratransit vehicles are one of the only professions in
frequent contact with the elderly population who are not mandatory reporters. Rectifying this
inconsistency will promote the safety and wellbeing of this population.
Alma Hernandez is in support of this bill due to personal experiences. Ms. Hernandez
explains that her father had been left unsupervised multiple time by different aides. If ADA
drivers were obligated to report these situations, a higher number of cases would be detected
and dealt with properly. This bill decreases the chances of elderly individuals ending up or
remaining in dangerous situations, like those her father experienced. Ms. Hernandez believes
that passing this bill has the potential to save lives by ensuring increased protections to
reduce harm inflicted on elderly people.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
There are no sources of opposition for this bill.
Reported by: Gianna Vollano Date: March 8, 2021
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