This bill makes changes to the safe-at-home program, which allows participants who fear for their safety to maintain a confidential address with the Secretary of State.

Section 1 clarifies the definition of “address.”

Section 2 requires a program application to include the applicant’s date of birth.  Language is added specifying that certification as a program participant is only for that purpose and must not be used as evidence or considered for any other purpose under the law related to the behavior or actions giving rise to the application.  The circumstances under which program participants or applicants must inform the Secretary of State of changes in information are more clearly specified.  Each program participant may have only one designated address.

Section 3 requires a person to use the program participant’s designated address for all mail correspondence with the participant, even if the person has knowledge of the participant’s physical location.  Language is added clarifying that guardians ad litem are subject to the requirement to protect a physical address if they receive notice of participation.

Section 4 specifies that a program participant’s name and designated address are public data with the Office of the Secretary of State.