Illinois lawmakers have strengthened their commitment to protect seniors from financial exploitation with new law.

A measure sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Esther Golar, requires The Department of Human Services to create a health care worker registry of employees under final investigation of financial theft from the elderly.

“As the population ages, financial exploitation of the elderly increases,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “Today we signed a preventative measure into law. Creating a registry of health care workers with a history of theft can protect seniors before a problem arises. Seniors should not have to worry about their life savings disappearing."

Hunter’s initiative (House Bill 3830) comes at a time when financial institutions on Wall Street aim to address the same growing national issue.

The bill is effective immediately.