Rep. Russo applauds House passage of bill to modify address confidentiality program to better protect survivors of violence

Today, Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) applauded the House passage of House Bill (HB) 93, legislation to modify the state’s address confidentiality program (Safe at Home), a long-held Democratic priority that allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, rape, human trafficking, or sexual battery who fear for their safety to keep their address confidential and out of the public record. 

“I applaud my fellow House members for putting in place stronger privacy protections for survivors of violent crimes,” said Rep. Russo.  “It sends a strong message that those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, or stalking are a priority for us.  All Ohioans, especially those who have survived unimaginable trauma, deserve to live in their homes feeling safe and secure.”

HB 93 would eliminate the requirement that a program applicant be changing residences in order to be eligible for the program, require the Secretary of State to process applications within 10 business days, as well as several other changes to improve the program. 

Former Democratic Rep. Kathleen Chandler and then-Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner championed the initial version of the bill to create the Address Confidentiality Program, which passed the House in 2010. That measure failed to pass the Senate. Democratic Rep. Kathleen Clyde carried the bill until the passage and enactment of Safe at Home in 2016.

HB 93 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.