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Bill

Bill

SB 31

An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Administration; creating an address confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Forrest Dunbar and 2 co-sponsors

Alaska creates an address confidentiality program enabling vulnerable residents to use substitute addresses in public records while protecting their actual residential locations from disclosure.

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Bill Summary · SB 31

Legislative bill overview

SB 31 establishes an address confidentiality program administered by Alaska's Department of Administration that allows individuals to use substitute addresses for public records while keeping their actual residential addresses private. The program appears designed to protect vulnerable populations—such as domestic violence survivors, stalking victims, or others facing safety threats—by enabling them to conduct official business without revealing their true locations.

Why is this important

Address confidentiality programs create a critical safety mechanism for individuals fleeing abuse or threats, allowing them to access public services, employment, and housing without exposing themselves to harm. The program also affects how government agencies handle public records requests and verify residency, potentially impacting everything from voter registration to business licensing.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and eligibility: Unclear who qualifies for the program—whether it's limited to documented abuse victims or extends to broader populations—and what verification processes apply, balancing access with fraud prevention
  • Public records and transparency: Creates tension between government transparency principles and individual safety, raising questions about when substitute addresses can be used and how law enforcement can verify actual addresses when needed
  • Implementation costs and resources: The Department of Administration must manage a new administrative system, including processing applications, maintaining databases, and coordinating with other agencies, with budget implications unclear

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

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