Bill > HB2594

This bill modifies existing Arizona law to enhance protections for individuals participating in the Address Confidentiality Program, particularly in family court matters. The Address Confidentiality Program, managed by the Secretary of State, allows victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking to keep their actual residence addresses confidential by using a substitute address provided by the program. Key provisions include: in family court cases, if a party is in the Address Confidentiality Program, their substitute address will be used in all court filings and communications, and their actual address will be sealed and not disclosed to other parties or attorneys; participation in the program cannot be used as evidence of parental alienation, failure to cooperate, or instability; and the bill clarifies that a court can only order the disclosure of a participant's actual address if it's essential for a compelling state interest with no reasonable alternative. Furthermore, the bill strengthens penalties for intentionally or knowingly obtaining or disclosing a program participant's actual address or telephone number, classifying violations as a class 1 misdemeanor, and a class 6 felony if done for the purpose of harassment, stalking, or domestic violence against a party in a family court matter. It also amends existing law to ensure that parents with sole legal decision-making authority who are in the Address Confidentiality Program due to the other parent's actions are not required to share all their child's health and educational information directly with that parent, allowing them to provide it via email, phone app, or mail.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84378