LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Lawmakers in Lansing have announced a legislative plan to create an address confidentiality program protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking from their attackers has been approved by the state Senate as of Tuesday.
According to an official press release, victims would be able to obtain a confidential address for official documents and mail correspondence to help protect them from their past offenders under the plan.
“The address confidentiality program is a commonsense plan to protect and bring back peace of mind to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township, who sponsored Senate Bill 76, which would exempt participants from jury duty. “I am hopeful that this is the year that we can finally get this legislation signed into law.”
Additionally, children would qualify for the same address confidentiality if they are at risk of being threatened or physically harmed, or if they or their parents or guardians are victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, rape or sexual battery.
Schools would not be allowed to disclose the address of a pupil or a pupil’s parents or guardians if they are participants of the program.
Finally, a program participant’s location would also be made confidential in the state’s Qualified Voter File system and participants would be able to vote absentee instead of going to a polling location, which might reveal their address.
If the bills pass, Michigan would be the 38th state to enact such measures.
SBs 70-76 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
