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HB 6189

Crime victims: other; address confidentiality program; expand eligibility. Amends sec. 5 of 2020 PA 301 (MCL 780.855).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Skaggs

Michigan bill expands who qualifies for address confidentiality protection to shield crime victims' locations from public records and potential perpetrators.

bill electronically reproduced 11/26/2024
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Bill Summary · HB 6189

Legislative bill overview

HB 6189 amends Michigan's Address Confidentiality Program under the 2020 law to expand eligibility for crime victims seeking to keep their addresses private from public records. The bill modifies Section 5 of MCL 780.855, though the specific eligibility expansions are not detailed in the available bill summary.

Why is this important

Crime victims using address confidentiality programs face a critical safety issue—public disclosure of their location can enable abusers, stalkers, or perpetrators to find them. Expanding eligibility means more vulnerable individuals could access this protective measure, potentially reducing harassment, violence, and repeat victimization. This directly affects victim safety and may reduce law enforcement resources spent managing cases involving identified victims.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of eligibility: Unclear which categories of crime victims would gain new access (domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, etc.), which could affect implementation costs and administrative burden
  • Government burden vs. privacy: Expanding the program may increase administrative costs for state agencies managing confidential records and verification processes
  • Due process concerns: Broader eligibility could create tensions with defendants' rights to access victim information during legal proceedings, potentially complicating criminal cases

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

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