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HB 6072

AN ACT MAKING THE LOCATION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTERS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES CONFIDENTIAL UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Keitt

Connecticut bill exempts sexual assault and domestic violence center locations from public records disclosure to protect survivor safety from abusers.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Oversight
#confidentiality #freedomofinformation #sheltersfordomesticviolencevictims
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Bill Summary · HB 6072

Legislative bill overview

HB 6072 would amend Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to classify the physical locations of sexual assault and domestic violence centers as confidential information that cannot be publicly disclosed. This exemption would apply to the centers themselves and their associated facilities, protecting their addresses from public records requests.

Why is this important

Sexual assault and domestic violence survivors often rely on these centers for emergency shelter, counseling, and support services. Publicizing facility locations could enable perpetrators to locate and harm survivors seeking refuge, undermining the centers' ability to provide safe havens. The bill addresses a genuine security concern for vulnerable populations while balancing transparency principles.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. Safety Trade-off: FOIA exemptions reduce government accountability and public oversight. Critics may argue that blanket location confidentiality prevents citizens from verifying these facilities exist and operate properly, or from monitoring their effectiveness and resource use.
  • Scope and Definition: The bill's language around "associated facilities" could be interpreted broadly, potentially covering administrative offices, parking areas, or partner organizations—creating ambiguity about what qualifies for protection and whether the exemption extends beyond what's necessary.
  • Alternative Safeguards: Some may contend that less restrictive measures (unlisted phone numbers, encrypted databases, restricted staff access) could protect survivor safety without complete FOIA exemption, allowing partial public accountability.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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