FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1546

C 28 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing address confidentiality for victims of stalking.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Schual‑Berke, Campbell, Ballasiotes, D. Schmidt, Simpson, Conway, Keiser, Darneille, Kagi, Woods, Ruderman, Hurst and McIntire; by request of Secretary of State.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

A victim of domestic violence or sexual assault may apply to the Secretary of State to have an alternative address designated as the victim=s address.  This allows state and local agencies to comply with requests for public records without disclosing the confidential location of a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault.  The application must include a sworn statement from the applicant that he or she is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and fears for his or her safety, a designation of the Secretary of State as an agent, a mailing address and phone number where the applicant can be contacted by the Secretary of State, a new address that the applicant requests to remain confidential, and a signature.  Applicants are certified as program participants for four years, subject to renewal, withdrawal, or invalidation.  State, local, and non‑profit agencies that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault may assist in the application process.

Summary:

Victims of stalking are added to the list of victims eligible for the address confidentiality program administered by the Secretary of State.

Votes on Final Passage:

House940

Senate470

Effective:  July 22, 2001