Bill > HB0450

This bill allows victims of crimes to request that their initials be used instead of their full name in publicly available criminal justice documents, starting July 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill enables victims to have their initials used in charging documents and other filings created by various criminal justice entities, including prosecuting agencies, courts, law enforcement, juvenile justice services, corrections departments, and parole boards. A "publicly available" document is defined as one that is accessible to the general public or can be obtained upon request, even if a fee is required. The entities are required to maintain a list or database of victim names corresponding to the used initials, which can be accessed through a court order. This provision aims to provide additional privacy protection for crime victims by preventing their full names from being widely disclosed in criminal justice documentation, while still allowing their identities to be traced if legally necessary. The bill will take effect on May 7, 2025, giving government agencies time to prepare for implementing this new victim privacy measure.