State lawmakers on Friday are calling for the passage of a bill that would provide elderly New Yorkers with greater protections for who would inherit their estate.  

The bill, backed by state Sen. Samra Brouk and Assemblyman Harry Bronson, is meant to address concerns over the current law when a New Yorker dies without leaving a will. The law does not consider whether a person's next-of-kin, in line to receive their estate, has been abusing them.

"With the support of our local advocates and leaders in government, we know that legislation like ours can help move the needle on elder abuse, both here in our community and across New York State," Brouk said. "Our elders are treasured members of our community, and we must do everything in our power to protect them."

The proposal would change the existing law with the goal of preventing a person convicted of elder abuse from inheriting estates. 

“As the former Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Aging, one of my top priorities continues to be protecting our older New Yorkers," Bronson said. "While we have made many strides, we are not done in our efforts to fully implement New York as an age-friendly state."