PLANO (WBAP/KLIF)- North Texas families of elderly victims who were robbed and murdered are banding together to make senior living facilities safer.
Billy Chermirmir is awaiting trial and is currently accused of killing and robbing more than a dozen North Texas elderly residents in Dallas and Collin County.
In the meantime, the group “Secure Our Seniors Safety” are pushing for a set of five Texas bills that will hold the facilities more accountable, require background checks and increase enforcement on cash-for-gold businesses.
The group’s president Shannon Gleason-Dion hopes these bills will keep others from experiencing a tragic loss like she did when her mother was murdered in her home.
“We were sure they were safe and never considered anything like this would happened. That’s why we are trying to push for better security measures,” said Gleason-Dion. “We are just trying to improve communication, bring more transparency and awareness in this industry and let people know what we wish we had known,” she said.
The suite of Bills supported by SOSS has seen measured success.
Gleason Dion says seeing these bills garner bipartisan support has helped with her healing.
“I wish you could see me right now I have goosebumps all over my body and have a big smile on my face,” she said. “This isn’t going to bring my mother back or lessen my pain but it is re-assuring that we are working to save lives.”
Here is the status of each Bill:
• SB 1133/ HB 3144 – Opt-In Registration and Certification for homes to increase security and communicate with residents, family, and police about criminal activity – The House Human Services Committee heard testimony and seemed favorable to the Bills introduced by Senator Nathan Johnson and Representative Jared Patterson. It is pending while staff and stakeholders negotiate language. We continue to be hopeful that the details can be finalized and ultimately approved.
• HB 3095 – Liability/Arbitration Bill establishing liability for not communicating criminal activity to residents, family, and police. It also prohibits Arbitration clauses in senior home contracts – Introduced by representative Julie Johnson, it is currently pending with the House Human Services Committee. We are encouraged that the committee appeared to be favorable.
• SB 1132/HB 3123 – Crafted Metals Bill requiring enforcement of existing laws on inventory and seller identity at “cash for gold” business. And increases inspections for those records – SOSS supports this measure because a “cash for gold” shop where Billy Chemirmir sold stolen items did not meet state laws requiring inventory lists and names of sellers. Introduced by Senator Nathan Johnson and Representative John Turner. The Senate passed the Bill, and it has likely success it will be passed in the House without opposition.
• SB 864/HB 723 – Medical examiner notification Bill. Requires the ME to notify family members if there is a change to the Cause of Death – Introduced by Senator Angela Paxton and Representative Jared Patterson, passed in both the House and Senate, and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
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