SE Valley Times

Legislation introduced by State Representative Julie Willoughby has successfully passed the House Appropriations Committee. The bill, known as HB2177, aims to provide additional funding for Arizona's Address Confidentiality Program. This program is designed to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual offenses by allowing them to use a substitute address for government records.

HB2177 proposes an allocation of $400,000 from the state's General Fund in Fiscal Year 2026 to the Address Confidentiality Program Fund. The legislation also indicates a commitment to maintaining this funding in future years. "The last thing survivors should have to worry about is their abuser finding them," said Representative Willoughby. "This program gives them a way to shield their home address and regain some peace of mind. Strengthening it is not just necessary – it’s the right thing to do. We must make sure this program has the resources to continue providing safety and security for those who need it most."

The Address Confidentiality Program is administered by the Secretary of State and offers mail forwarding services, ensuring participants can receive essential correspondence without revealing their actual location. Currently, funding for the program primarily comes from fees imposed on convicted offenders of domestic violence and stalking. HB2177 aims to supplement this revenue source.

With its passage through the Appropriations Committee, HB2177 will now proceed to the Rules Committee before being considered by the full House.

Julie Willoughby serves as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 13, which includes Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes. She also holds the position of House Majority Whip.