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NAELA is now accepting applications for open Board of Directors and Board Officer positions, and the NAELA Foundation is accepting applications for the Board of Trustees and the Board Chair position. We thank you for your continued service and hope you will consider this opportunity as a meaningful next step in your leadership journey. 

If you are eligible and interested, we encourage you to consider applying. If now is not the right time for you to apply, please help us strengthen the applicant pool by sharing this opportunity with well-qualified members in your chapter who may be ready to serve. 

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on September 24, 2026. 

Eligibility criteria include: 

• NAELA Board of Directors positions: Applicants must have been a member of NAELA for at least two years as of January 14, 2027, to be considered for a Board position. 
• NAELA Board Officer positions: Per NAELA's Bylaws, applicants must be either:  
• a current member of the Board of Directors who will have completed at least one term of service on the Board at the time of taking office; or 
• a past member of the Board of Directors who has served at least two full consecutive Board terms and who will have been off the Board for no more than two years at the time of taking office. 

Thank you for your service to NAELA. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Rodriguez, Manager of Governance and Executive Services.

Seniors will be better protected from potential financial exploitation under a new bipartisan measure led by State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview).

“Financial scammers can quickly wipe out the savings that Illinois residents have worked their entire lives to build up,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “This legislation empowers law enforcement and the judiciary to quickly intervene in potential cases of financial exploitation, protecting seniors and their assets from bad actors looking to take advantage of them.”

House Bill 4649 allows courts to issue temporary restraining orders against potential scammers, restrict contact between the scammer and the victim, and freeze financial assets or lines of credit. Necessary living expenses would remain available even with a freeze in place.

The legislation expands upon current provisions that allow the Attorney General, Department of Aging, or provider agencies to petition courts to freeze financial assets in suspected cases of exploitation.

Governor Pritzker also signed the following measures into law:

• HB 1783: Supporting language development for deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind children (Rep. Mussman/Sen. Cappel), effective immediately.
• HB 4509: Strengthening care for nursing home residents with serious mental illness (Rep. Grasse/Sen. Koehler), effective January 1, 2027.
• HB 4649: Strengthening protections for older adults experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation (Rep. Gong-Gershowitz/Sen. Stadelman), effective immediately.
• HB 4728: Increasing transparency and accountability for congregate care facilities serving people with developmental disabilities (Rep. Faver Dias/Sen. Cervantes), effective July 1, 2027.
• HB 4911: Protecting older adults from financial exploitation (Rep. Stuart/Sen. Lightford), effective July 1, 2027.
• HB 5365: Expanding supported decision-making for adults with disabilities and mental health conditions (Rep. Mussman/Sen. Feigenholtz), effective January 1, 2027.

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Gov. Pritzker Takes Bill Action

Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action.

For the complete list of bills, including their descriptions, actions, and effective dates, click here to view the attached document.

·                  “HR1 Module 5: Redeterminations and Retroactive Coverage”

o        Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Central Time). Register here: 8/20/26 WebEx Registration Link

·                  “HR1 Module 6: Common Questions and Answers Regarding Medicaid Changes”

o        Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Central Time). Register here:9/15/26 WebEx Registration Link

·                  “HR1 Module 7: System Changes: How to Utilize and Assist”

o        Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Central Time) Register here: 10/21/26 WebEx Registration Link

The ILNAELA Legislative Committee has released an update on significant legislation from the 2026 legislative session. The attached update includes information on ILNAELA-sponsored legislation, bills signed by the Governor, and other important legislative developments affecting elder law and estate planning.

Click here to download the full Legislative Committee Update

House Bill 862 transforms the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission into the Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship, effective July 1, 2027.

CHICAGO — Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 862 into law, creating the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship (IDAG). This landmark legislation positions Illinois as a national leader in disability advocacy and guardianship by elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission (IGAC) to a cabinet-level department. "By establishing the Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship, we are making it crystal clear that disability rights are a priority in Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I am proud to establish this agency, and I will continue to fight hard to empower people with disabilities and their families all across our state.”

Through its three primary divisions, the department will continue to provide critical support to thousands of individuals with disabilities across Illinois. The Division of State Guardian will serve as guardian of last resort for nearly 5,000 adults with disabilities.

The Division of Legal Advocacy will continue to provide legal counsel to thousands of Illinoisians each year in cases of involuntary treatment and related court proceedings, and the Division of Disability Rights and Protections will continue to investigate disability rights violations impacting thousands of Illinois Citizens with Disabilities. A newly established Advisory Council consisting of leaders from across Illinois will provide valuable ongoing input into the department's work.

"People with disabilities matter. I am honored to serve in an agency—and soon a department—whose staff leans forward every day to advocate for solutions that prioritize self-determination and independence, together with our colleagues in Illinois government, direct service providers, families and advocates statewide, " said IGAC Director Tracey B. Fleming.

“The Guardianship and Advocacy Commission has done critical, life-changing work for decades, standing as guardian for thousands of adults with disabilities, fighting for their rights in court, and investigating violations when institutions fail them. Elevating this to a cabinet-level department sends a clear message: disability rights are a state priority, and Illinois is committed to giving this mission the standing it deserves," said Leader Bob Morgan (D-58th District), House Sponsor of HB 862.

“This new department will build on a nearly fifty-year legacy of investment by Illinois in people with disabilities. I am honored to have served as a champion for this agency, and now, to help position Illinois as a national leader in this work for the next fifty," said Leader Julie Morrison (D-29th District), Sponsor of HB 862 in the Senate.

"Disability rights require institutional commitment. Elevating this mission to a full department sends a clear message that Illinois is serious about protecting the people who depend on these services most," said Kimberly Mercer-Schleider, Director, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The new department will begin operations on July 1, 2027.

About the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Created in 1979, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission has built a legacy of safeguarding and promoting the welfare and rights of people with disabilities: providing legal representation, investigating rights violations, and serving as guardian of last resort for thousands of Illinoisans who have often gone without a voice. For more information, visit gac.illinois.gov.

Media Contacts
Simon Edelman, Director of Communications
Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
simon.edelman@illinois.gov
(217) 361-9296

Attachments

• Governor Pritzker Signs Landmark Legislation Creating a Dedicated Department on Disability Rights and Advocacy in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation to strengthen protections for older adults by allowing courts to issue temporary restraining orders in cases involving abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.

“Older adults and vulnerable individuals are too often targeted by scammers and bad actors looking to take advantage of them financially,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure gives courts and law enforcement stronger tools to step in quickly, stop exploitation and protect victims before even more harm is done.”

House Bill 4649 would create a new mechanism to protect the assets of eligible adults who have been reported or found to be victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect. The measure, supported by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, aims to make it easier to intervene in exploitation cases involving scammers who may only communicate through apps or other indirect methods.

Current law allows the Illinois Attorney General, Illinois Department on Aging or a provider agency to petition to freeze an eligible adult’s assets if financial exploitation has been suspected. Stadelman’s measure would expand those protections by allowing courts to issue temporary restraining orders that can prohibit further exploitation, freeze assets and lines of credit, bar contact with the victim, remove a respondent from a shared residence and provide more clarity to law enforcement agencies. The legislation would also ensure eligible adults can continue paying necessary living expenses while financial protections are in place.

“Financial exploitation can wipe out a person’s life savings in a matter of days,” said Stadelman. “This measure creates a faster, more effective process to protect vulnerable adults and preserve their financial security while cases are being resolved.”

House Bill 4649 passed the Senate Friday.

https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/43-senator-steve-stadelman-news/6956-stadelman-works-to-protect-older-adults-from-financial-exploitation-2

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2026-05, officially establishing the EngAging Illinois Multisector Plan for Aging Commission. The Commission will implement the State’s landmark Multisector Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint to address the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers across Illinois.

“Today’s Executive Order marks a powerful step toward ensuring that every Illinoisan has the support they need to age with dignity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are turning vision into action — strengthening supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers, expanding community partnerships, and building an Illinois where healthy aging is both celebrated and achievable.”

In 2024, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2024-02 to kick off the planning process for the Multisector Plan for Aging. Today’s action officially launches the EngAging Illinois Commission to oversee implementation of the 10-year plan. The Executive Order also directs Illinois to join 13 other AARP-designated “Age-Friendly” states that are committed to promoting and celebrating healthy aging. Dozens of Illinois cities have already joined AARP’s effort.

“Every Illinoisan deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, connection, and purpose,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “The EngAging Illinois Multisector Plan reflects our shared commitment to building communities where older adults and caregivers are supported, valued, and empowered. By bringing together leaders across government, healthcare, housing, transportation, and community organizations, we are creating a stronger, more equitable future for people of all ages across our state.”

Today’s Executive Order also reaffirms Illinois’ commitment to ensuring that Illinoisans can live dignified, engaged, and meaningful lives. The state’s groundbreaking multisector plan, announced in January 2026, outlines a range of strategies and actions — in areas such as community development, health, housing, transportation, caregiving, and financial services — that will help residents remain healthy, connected, and engaged as they grow older. Critically, the plan also seeks to address long-standing inequities and service gaps that prevent people from living with a sense of security and stability as they age.

“EngAging Illinois points to the power and possibility that older adults in Illinois bring to their families, communities, and the state,” said Mary Killough, Director of the Illinois Department on Aging. “We are building on existing efforts to create the opportunities, services, and supports people need to live well as they age.”

The Commission will be administered by the Illinois Department on Aging and co-chaired by the Chief Planning Officer, along with a subject matter expert from outside of State government. The Commission will also consist of 10 members reflecting the geographic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of the state, along with the Directors/Secretaries or their designees of 20 state agencies; two members of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the House Speaker and one appointed by the Minority Leader of the House; and two members of the Illinois Senate, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Republican Leader of the Senate.

“Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order is a critical step toward making Illinois a more livable, age-friendly state,” said Philippe Largent, AARP Illinois State Director. “AARP Illinois commends the Governor and the Illinois Department on Aging for their commitment to making Illinois the next member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States. This effort will help improve quality of life for all Illinoisans by making housing more affordable, expanding access to transportation, strengthening caregiving supports and increasing community and social connections — so more Illinoisans can age with dignity, independence, and choice in the communities they call home.”

Commissioners will work to make Illinois a leader among states in supporting older adults and their caregivers by providing cross-sector expertise, monitoring implementation progress and identifying barriers and opportunities, and convening work groups aligned with the plan’s focus areas.

The Commission will submit its first report to the Governor and General Assembly on December 31, 2026, with annual progress reports thereafter.

Guiding Multiple Work Groups: The Commission will steer the work of numerous EngAging Illinois work groups specific to the priorities outlined in the Multisector Plan, including:

• Creating Livable and Connected Communities (including Age-Friendly Communities, Housing, Transportation, Social Connection)
• Ensuring Health for All Ages
• Investing in Caregivers
• Affording Aging

Representatives of community-based organizations, businesses, philanthropy, healthcare systems, and older adults from across the state will serve on these groups, identifying innovative ways to engage and support all of us as we get older, so we can continue to be important contributors to our families and communities and continue to live with joy, passion, and purpose.

These implementation work groups will help strengthen cross-governmental relationships, build resilience by elevating common goals across agencies and sectors, and identify new ways to streamline efforts and resources.

“We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of dedicated Illinoisans serving on the Commission and the work groups,” said Michelle Hoersch, Chief Planning Officer for the Multisector Plan for Aging. “Their combined talents and expertise are essential to ensuring the success of our multisector plan, and I look forward to working with them and sharing our collective progress in the months and years ahead.”

The strategies and actions presented in the plan will serve as a 10-year roadmap for the Commission and the work groups, which will have several responsibilities, including:

• Building awareness of the Multisector Plan
• Meeting regularly to drive and review progress
• Engaging needed collaborators to move the work forward
• Ensuring, where appropriate, that issues critical to older adults are considered by the General Assembly and county and local governments

Information about EngAging Illinois can be found at: https://bit.ly/engagingillinois.

Executive Order 2026-05.pdf PDF 237 KB – Download ↓

 

Protecting Rights, Fighting Scams

Scams targeting older adults are growing more sophisticated and more harmful. This year for Elder Law Month, NAELA is highlighting ways to prevent fraud and minimize its impact.

Toolkit for NAELA Members

We have put together an Elder Law Month Toolkit for NAELA members with practical resources for education, prevention, and protection against scams (member sign-in required).

Use these materials to engage your community in meaningful ways while also supporting your practice. Host a seminar or webinar, share information on social media, partner with local organizations or agencies, and more.

Resources for Consumers

Top Scams Affecting Older Adults — A guide to recognizing and avoiding common scams

Find an Illinois Elder Law Attorney — A searchable public directory to find local NAELA attorneys who practice elder and special needs law

Why Hire an Elder and Special Needs Law Attorney? — Explains the benefits of specialized legal expertise for older adults and individuals with disabilities

After months of debate, legislation inspired by a Tribune investigation into some Chicago-area hospitals’ questionable use of the state’s guardianship system has advanced from the Illinois House as supporters seek to strengthen court oversight and other protections for the rights of vulnerable adults. 

After months of discussions with opponents, supporters say the amended version of [State Rep. Marti Deuter’s] bill represents a compromise but still would set important safeguards around private guardianship appointments.

For example, the bill would require employees of private guardians to undergo criminal background checks every five years and get the education necessary for national certification. And a private guardian corporation would have to submit to annual independent audits if it manages more than $1 million in assets. 

The hospital association still objects to the part of the bill that would require the private guardian to meet with the hospital patient prior to accepting the appointment, citing concerns that such a requirement may slow the process as well as timing issues concerning medical consent.