TEMPORARY HOLD ON TRANSACTIONS IN CERTAIN CASES OF SUSPECTED FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a financial institution: (1) may place a hold on any transaction that involves an account of a vulnerable adult if the financial institution: (A) submits a report of suspected financial exploitation of the vulnerable adult to the department under Section 281.002(b); and (B) has cause to believe the transaction is related to the suspected financial exploitation alleged in the report; and (2) must place a hold on any transaction involving an account of a vulnerable adult if the hold is requested by the department or a law enforcement agency. (b) Subject to Subsection (c), a hold placed on any transaction under Subsection (a) expires on the 10th business day after the date the hold is placed. (c) The financial institution may extend a hold placed on any transaction under Subsection (a) for a period not to exceed 30 business days after the expiration of the period prescribed by Subsection (b) if requested by a state or federal agency or a law enforcement agency investigating the suspected financial exploitation. The financial institution may also petition a court to extend a hold placed on any transaction under Subsection (a) beyond the period prescribed by Subsection (b). A court may enter an order extending or shortening a hold or providing other relief. (d) Each financial institution shall adopt internal policies, programs, plans, or procedures for placing a hold on a transaction involving an account of a vulnerable adult under this section.