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

Today, Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) 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.

“During my previous work with high school students, we raised money for our local Genesis House in its efforts to protect victims and their families of domestic violence. Today, I am proud to support the expansion of these efforts at the Statehouse by signing onto House Bill 93 and voting to send it over to the Senate. This bill is vitally important to ensure that we are protecting the health and safety of victims of physical and mental abuse. No one should feel unsafe in their own home due to the appalling actions of others. This legislation will better serve Ohioans and I hope to see it reach the Governor’s desk,” said Rep. Miller.

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.