BILL NUMBER: S8628
SPONSOR: SALAZAR
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law and the public health law, in relation
to providing notification to victims of crime and sexual offense victims
about the address confidentiality program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would require the office of victim services to notify victims
of crime and victims of sexual offenses about the address confidentiali-
ty program.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Executive law § 641 is amended by adding a new subdivision 4
to ensure that crime victims receive notification of information related
to the address confidentiality program.
Section 2. Public health law § 2805-i (6)(a), subparagraphs 7 and 8 are
amended and a new subparagraph 9 is added to ensure victims of sexual
offenses receive information related to the address confidentiality
program.
Section 3. Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The New York State Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is crucial as
it protects victims' safety and privacy by providing a confidential
address, supporting survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual
offenses and human trafficking. Additionally, reproductive healthcare
providers, employees, volunteers, patients, and their immediate family
members are eligible. By providing a confidential address, the ACP
empowers these individuals to rebuild their lives without fear of being
located by their abusers.
This bill would require the Victim Bill of Rights and Sexual Assault
Victim Bill of Rights to include information related to the address
confidentiality program. This notification will increase awareness and
accessibility to the ACP's protections by eligible victims of crime,
ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those who need it most and ulti-
mately supporting their journey towards healing and recovery.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8628: 641 executive law