Tennessee House Bill HB1858

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Refer: 2/20/24
• Engrossed: 3/5/24
• Enrolled: 3/12/24
• Passed: 3/27/24
• Chaptered: 4/3/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, Chapter 38, Part 6, relative to the home address confidentiality program.

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 1858 are significant as they enhance the procedural framework of the Home Address Confidentiality Program. By permitting individuals to renew their participation in the program as they transition to adulthood, the bill ensures ongoing protection for young adults who may have previously benefited from this program. Furthermore, by ensuring that individuals can list new addresses that are unknown to offenders, the legislation directly addresses concerns about safety and privacy for potential victims, who may otherwise face life-threatening situations if their whereabouts are disclosed.

Summary

House Bill 1858 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, Chapter 38, Part 6, focusing on the Home Address Confidentiality Program. The bill aims to enhance the safety and privacy of individuals, particularly victims of domestic violence, stalking, and other threats by providing an assurance that their address will remain confidential. This amendment allows individuals to apply for confidentiality of their addresses which are not previously disclosed in public records, making it more challenging for offenders to locate them. The bill also facilitates the process for co-applicants to join the program under certain conditions, thereby broadening the support for individuals seeking protection.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1858 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for domestic violence and victim support groups. Supporters view it as a crucial step toward safeguarding the privacy and security of vulnerable populations. However, as with any legislation that impacts public records and personal privacy, there may exist some contention regarding the balance between confidentiality and public interest in maintaining accessible records. Nevertheless, the general consensus seems to support the necessity of this bill to protect those at risk.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 1858 could stem from concerns about the implications of increasing address confidentiality. While the bill aims to protect victims, it also raises questions about the transparency of public records and how such amendments could influence law enforcement's ability to locate individuals for legitimate reasons. Potential opponents may argue that these changes could hinder legal processes or create additional complications in record keeping. Thus, while the protective aspects of the bill are seen favorably, the discussions around its overall impact highlight a need for careful consideration of the balance between privacy and accountability.