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HF 1083

Domestic abuse advocates prohibited from disclosing information.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Bahner and 6 co-sponsors

HF 1083 shields domestic abuse advocates from disclosing client information without consent, similar to attorney-client privilege, to encourage survivors seeking help.

Second reading
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Bill Summary · HF 1083

Legislative bill overview

HF 1083 establishes confidentiality protections for domestic abuse advocates, prohibiting them from disclosing information shared by clients except under specific legal circumstances. The bill creates a privilege similar to attorney-client or doctor-patient confidentiality, protecting communications between domestic abuse survivors and their advocates.

Why is this important

Domestic abuse survivors often hesitate to seek help due to fear that information will be shared with authorities, perpetrators, or others. Confidentiality protections can encourage more survivors to access critical support services like safety planning, counseling, and resource navigation. This directly impacts public safety and victim outcomes by removing barriers to help-seeking.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of privilege exceptions: Defining when advocates must disclose (imminent danger, child abuse, court orders) involves balancing victim protection against public safety and legal accountability concerns
  • Advocate qualifications: Questions about which individuals qualify as "advocates" and whether the privilege applies uniformly across paid staff, volunteers, and informal advocates
  • Law enforcement coordination: Police and prosecutors may argue the privilege hampers investigations into domestic violence crimes, potentially affecting case prosecution and victim safety outcomes

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

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