General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5555 seeks to enhance the Address Confidentiality Program overseen by the Secretary of the State by broadening the criteria for participation and introducing new definitions relevant to the program. Key changes include the inclusion of individuals who are victims of various forms of violence, as well as those providing reproductive health care or gender-affirming services, allowing them to keep their residential addresses confidential. The bill also establishes a new term, "shielding," which refers to the process of removing real property records from public inspection. Additionally, it modifies the application process, requiring most applicants to seek assistance from an application assistant, while exempting those involved in reproductive or gender-affirming services from this requirement.

The legislation further outlines the procedures for program participants to request that their program address be used as their official address and emphasizes the confidentiality of their information. It mandates that the Secretary of the State maintain a list of entities that employ application assistants and updates the certification process to allow a broader range of individuals to qualify. The bill also repeals subsection (d) of section 54-240k and replaces it with new language that includes shielding real property records as part of the confidentiality measures. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026, and the bill aims to enhance the safety and privacy of individuals participating in the program.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-240, 54-240b, 54-240c, 54-240h