Bill > HB2576

This bill modifies Washington's address confidentiality program, which helps individuals escape domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking by providing them with a substitute address that state and local agencies must accept as their actual address for most purposes, thereby protecting their real location from disclosure. Key changes include expanding the types of individuals eligible for the program to include those experiencing harassment and stalking, clarifying definitions for terms like "actual address" and "applicant," and outlining new requirements for program applications, including a sworn statement about the applicant's fear for their safety and whether they were victimized by a law enforcement employee. The bill also adjusts rules for program certification, cancellation, and renewal, specifies how election officials must handle participant addresses to maintain confidentiality, and clarifies when law enforcement agencies can access participant records, with new provisions for court-ordered disclosures and specific uses by the Washington State Patrol. Additionally, it enhances the program's support for participants who own or wish to own property by requiring the Secretary of State to partner with the office of civil legal aid to provide information and resources on property ownership without public disclosure.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2576&Year=2025&Initiative=false