DENVER-
The House gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by allowing them to keep their real addresses confidential from public records.
The measure (House Bill 1350) would establish the Address Confidentiality Program in an effort to prevent perpetrators from tracking down their victims. It faces a third reading before being sent to the Senate.
“This legislation helps victims and families reclaim a sense of security in their lives. Its a proactive step to help prevent physical and mental re-victimization of a very vulnerable group in our state,” said Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction.
Lawmakers said perpetrators can find out their victims addresses by using public records that are readily available, such as voter and school registration, motor vehicle information, tax filings and other public documents.
The bill would allow victims to obtain a substitute address issued by the Secretary of State’s office that can be used as their official mailing address. Mail sent to the participants will go to the substitute address housed in the Secretary of States office and the Secretary of State’s office would then forward the mail to the participants real addresses.
Colorado would join 21 other states that have similar programs.
