Leader Sykes applauds House passage of bill to modify address confidentiality program to better protect survivors of violence

COLUMBUS— Today, Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) 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 am extremely pleased the Ohio House passed legislation that protects victims of abuse and allows them to continue to have a voice in our democracy,” said Leader Sykes. “Voting is fundamental to our society and ensuring full access is something we should support and protect.” 

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.