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Bill

HB 396

Expand the Address Confidentiality Program

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bernie Willis

HB 396 expands Ohio's Address Confidentiality Program, granting more individuals substitute addresses for documents to protect safety from threats.

Reported - Re-referred to General Government
#crimes #corrections #andlawenforcement #stateandlocalgovernment
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Bill Summary · HB 396

Legislative bill overview

HB 396 expands Ohio's Address Confidentiality Program, which allows individuals facing safety threats to use substitute addresses for official documents while keeping their actual location private. The bill broadens eligibility criteria and/or program protections, though specific expansion details would require access to the bill's full text and amendments.

Why is this important

Address confidentiality programs directly affect vulnerable populations including domestic violence survivors, stalking victims, and those in witness protection. Expanding access can improve safety outcomes, though implementation requires careful coordination across state agencies to prevent fraud while maintaining legitimate confidentiality.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility expansion scope: Disagreement over who qualifies (stricter threat-based criteria vs. broader self-certification) and whether expansion dilutes program effectiveness for highest-risk individuals
  • Administrative burden and costs: State agencies must verify claims, maintain databases, and coordinate across departments; expansion increases operational complexity and taxpayer expense
  • Fraud and misuse prevention: Balancing accessibility against risks that the program could enable people to evade legitimate creditors, law enforcement, or civil obligations through address concealment

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

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