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Bill

HB 265

State Board of Elections - Address Confidentiality Program - Designation of Contact Person

2026 Regular Session

Maryland requires the State Board of Elections to designate a specific contact person to administer its Address Confidentiality Program protecting abuse and stalking victims' addresses from public records.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 108
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Bill Summary · HB 265

Legislative bill overview

HB 265 requires the State Board of Elections to designate a contact person to administer Maryland's Address Confidentiality Program, which protects domestic violence victims, stalking victims, and other vulnerable individuals by keeping their home addresses confidential from public records. The bill establishes clear administrative responsibility for managing this existing victim protection program at the state level.

Why is this important

The Address Confidentiality Program serves as a safety mechanism for individuals fleeing abuse or facing credible threats. Designating a specific contact person ensures consistent, professional administration of the program and clarifies accountability for processing applications and maintaining confidentiality—gaps that could otherwise leave vulnerable people without reliable protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and funding: Creates a new staffing requirement for the State Board of Elections without specified funding source; unclear if this is a full-time position or added duties
  • Program scope and eligibility: Bill doesn't detail whether the designated contact person will expand, restrict, or maintain current eligibility criteria for program participation
  • Interagency coordination: Unclear how this contact person will coordinate with other agencies (law enforcement, courts, local boards) that interact with the confidentiality program

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

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