Bill
HB 104
HB 104 establishes an Address Confidentiality Program to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking by allowing them to use substitute addresses for safety.
Title: An Act creating and relating to the address confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date.
Bill Number: HB 104
Introduced: February 14, 2025
Status: (H) Heard & Held -- Recessed to a Call of the Chair
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Corrections, Courts, Crimes, Criminal Procedure, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Law Enforcement, Minors, Postal Service, Privacy, Public Officers, Public Safety, Victims Rights, Women
The primary purpose of HB 104 is to establish an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) aimed at enhancing the safety and privacy of individuals who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, or similar threats. The bill seeks to provide these individuals with a means to keep their addresses confidential, thereby reducing the risk of further victimization.
Creation of the Address Confidentiality Program:
The bill proposes the establishment of a program that allows participants to use a substitute address for legal and public purposes, ensuring their actual address remains confidential.
Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals who have been victims of domestic violence, stalking, or similar threats will be eligible to participate in the program. Specific criteria for eligibility will be outlined in the bill.
Application Process:
The bill details the process for individuals to apply for the program, including necessary documentation to prove eligibility.
Substitute Address Use:
Participants will be provided with a substitute address that can be used for voter registration, driver's licenses, and other official documents, thereby protecting their actual residential address from public disclosure.
Duration of Participation:
The bill specifies the duration for which individuals can remain in the program and the conditions under which they may be removed.
Coordination with Law Enforcement:
The program will require collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the safety of participants is prioritized while maintaining necessary communication for legal purposes.
Victims of Domestic Violence and Stalking:
The primary beneficiaries of this program will be individuals who have experienced domestic violence or stalking, providing them with a crucial tool for enhancing their safety.
Law Enforcement Agencies:
Law enforcement will need to adapt to the new procedures for handling cases involving participants in the ACP, ensuring that they can still perform their duties effectively while respecting the confidentiality of participants.
Public Agencies:
Various public agencies, including those involved in voter registration and licensing, will need to implement changes to accommodate the use of substitute addresses.
Current Status:
As of now, the bill has been heard and held in committee and is awaiting further action. The status indicates that it has been recessed to a call of the chair, meaning that discussions may resume at a later date.
Effective Date:
The bill includes provisions for an effective date, which will be determined upon its passage.
In summary, HB 104 aims to create a vital safety net for vulnerable individuals by establishing an address confidentiality program that prioritizes their privacy and security. The bill's provisions are designed to facilitate the participation of eligible individuals while ensuring that law enforcement and public agencies can continue to operate effectively.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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