Ohio House Passes Bill Expanding Address Confidentiality Program
COLUMBUS – State Reps. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) today joined their House colleagues in passing legislation that increases protections for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and sexual assault. Sponsored by Abrams and LaRe, House Bill 429 expands Ohio’s Safe at Home Address Confidentially Program administered by the Secretary of State.
“With a recent surge in domestic violence cases, Ohioans need this legislation now more than ever,” said Abrams. “Expanding this program gives victims further protections so they no longer live in constant fear of their former abuser finding them.”
The Safe at Home Program was created in the 131st General Assembly and maintains confidentially for victims by assigning program participants a substitute address to keep their address from becoming a public record, ensuring their offender does not locate them. House Bill 429 expands the current program in three ways:
1. Authorizes the Ohio Secretary of State to create real property confidentiality notice for participants to use as they file with the county recorder when purchasing a home
2. Allows the Secretary of State to communicate on the participant’s behalf upon their approval with the United States Postal Service, a judge or magistrate, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, school administrators, public assistance administrators and food pantry administrators
3. Keeps the information of participants involved in child custody cases confidential in court proceedings and documents, at the discretion of the judge.
“The Safe at Home Program gives victims peace of mind as they continue on with their everyday lives,” said LaRe. “House Bill 429 makes needed improvements to the program to ensure participants remain safe by streamlining methods of communication without their personal information being compromised.”
The bill passed the House floor with a 89-0 vote. House Bill 429 also has the support of Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
“Ohio has taken the right step forward in offering this program and now we must continue to make sure it works effectively and as promised,” said LaRose.
The legislation now awaits further action in the Senate. For more information on the Safe at Home address confidentially program, visit https://www.ohiosos.gov/secretary-office/office-initiatives/safe-at-home/.