Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government Committee

 

 

HB 1546

 

Brief Description:  Authorizing address confidentiality for victims of stalking.

 

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

 

Brief Summary of Bill

 

$Adds victims of stalking to the list of victims eligible for the address confidentiality program administered by the Secretary of State.

 

 

Hearing Date:  2/14/01

 

Staff:  Catherine Blinn (786‑7114).

 

Background: 

 

Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault may apply to the Secretary of State to have an alternative address designated as the persons= 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 of Bill: 

 

Victims of stalking are added to the list of victims eligible for the confidentiality program.

 

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Available.

 

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.