My name is Catherine Falk, the daughter of the late Peter Falk, best known for his role as Lt. Columbo. I had the honor to work with Sen. Phil Jensen who sponsored our Falk-NASGA Right of Association bill protecting wards wrongly isolated from family and friends in guardianships.Our bill is a bipartisan bill that Sen. Jensen championed in South Dakota. The bill was titled after my late father, Peter Falk, in memory of millions of people faced with the possible permanency of separation, isolation, exploitation and removal from social interaction. This bill protects persons with disabilities and the elderly while holding guardians accountable for their treatment of those under their care and control. Sen. Jensen sponsored this bill with such vigor that by the time I blinked my eyes, the bill cleared both chambers and was signed by the governor.
South Dakota is the first state to pass the Peter Falk Act in the same session as a bill for South Dakota seniors and adults with disabilities from abuse, neglect and exploitation. I am so honored and excited that the Peter Falk Act has passed in the 2016 session of South Dakota~Catherine Falk
San Marino, California
Source:
Jensen led way on Peter Falk Act