Authorizes a victim of domestic violence to apply to remove the violent felony offender from deed of co-owned real property

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nathalia Fernández and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 6119 empowers domestic violence victims to remove abusers from co-owned property deeds, enhancing their safety and control over their living situations.

REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 6119 aims to empower victims of domestic violence by allowing them to apply for the removal of a violent felony offender from the deed of co-owned real property. This legislation seeks to provide a legal pathway for victims to regain control over their living situations and enhance their safety by severing ties with their abuser in shared property ownership.

Key Provisions

Application Process: The bill establishes a formal process through which victims of domestic violence can apply to have the violent felony offender removed from the deed of any co-owned real property.

Eligibility Criteria: Victims must demonstrate that they are survivors of domestic violence and that the offender has been convicted of a violent felony.

Judicial Oversight: The application will be reviewed by a court, ensuring that the process is conducted fairly and that the rights of all parties are considered.

Protection for Victims: The bill includes provisions aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of the victim during the application process.

Affected Parties

Victims of Domestic Violence: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who have experienced domestic violence and share property with their abuser.

Violent Felony Offenders: Those convicted of violent felonies who co-own property with their victims will be directly impacted, as the bill provides a mechanism for their removal from property deeds.

Judicial System: Courts will be tasked with processing these applications, which may require additional resources and training to handle such sensitive cases.

Procedural Aspects

Current Status: As of March 5, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Social Services Committee for further consideration.

Legislative History: This bill is part of a series of related legislation aimed at addressing domestic violence, with several prior-session bills (S 1771, S 2718, S 6275, S 3970, S 7639, S 3116, S 5086, S 5641, S 7193) indicating ongoing legislative interest in this area.

Companion Bill: There is a companion bill, A 7120, which may provide additional context or support for the measures outlined in S 6119.

Conclusion

Bill S 6119 represents a significant step towards enhancing the rights and safety of domestic violence victims by facilitating the removal of abusers from shared property ownership. By establishing a clear legal process, the bill aims to provide victims with greater autonomy and security in their living situations. The ongoing legislative discussions and related bills reflect a broader commitment to addressing the complexities of domestic violence and its impact on property rights.

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