The proposed bill establishes the "Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now (HAVEN) Act," which creates a coordinating council within the Department of Law Enforcement to support victims of domestic and dating violence. The council will be responsible for developing a dynamic website that facilitates real-time communication with law enforcement, allowing victims to discreetly alert authorities in emergencies. The council will consist of various appointed members, including representatives from law enforcement, victim services, and legal experts, and is required to hold its first meeting by October 1, 2025. Additionally, the council will submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature regarding its progress and the effectiveness of the website.

The bill also amends existing statutes to include definitions for "dating violence" and expands the address confidentiality program to cover victims of both domestic and dating violence. It specifies that the addresses of program participants are exempt from public records disclosure, enhancing protections for these individuals. The act will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will expire on October 2, 2028, unless renewed by the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
H 19 Filed: 741.402, 741.465, 741.4651, 960.001