Elder abuse.

As the Legislative Session opens, hot-button issues include concealed weapons permitting, addressing the flood insurance crisis, barring minors from tanning salons, and raising speed limits.

Yet one topic that will be addressed--and should earn legislators' and citizens' attention alike--is the issue of abuse and reporting, such as abuse in assisted living facilities (ALFs) and nursing homes. This is vital to ensuring care ofALF residents and the elderly.

Currently, such reporting is not required, and some residents face physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. That must change.

During this year's session, both the House and Senate reportedly will discuss a measure designed to achieve several goals, including tightening abuse and neglect reporting requirements and increased fines for those facilities that violate the law. Even in the...