Shilling applauds passage of “Safe at Home Bill”
Bipartisan proposal seeks to strengthen victim protections

MADISON – A bipartisan proposal co-authored by Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) passed the State Senate and Assembly today. Senate Bill 488, also known as the “Safe at Home Bill,” would create an Address Confidentiality Program and strengthen protections for survivors of domestic abuse, stalking and sex trafficking.

“For survivors of domestic abuse, stalking and human trafficking, safety is always a top concern,” said Sen. Shilling. “Things that most families take for granted – like paying a utility bill, enrolling a child in after school activities or applying for a job – create potentially dangerous situations for many survivors. By passing the “Safe at Home Bill,” we can protect individuals from violence and help survivors move forward with their lives.”

The Address Confidentiality Program would allow at-risk individuals to obtain an alternate postal address and have mail forwarded to their confidential home address. At least 30 states currently provide residents with similar safeguards. Minnesota launched an address confidentiality program in 2007 which has served more than 5,000 residents since its inception.  

Senate Bill 488 is supported by End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Legal Action of Wisconsin, the National Association of Social Workers - Wisconsin Chapter, the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, the Wisconsin Association of Family & Childrens Agencies and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Now that the bill has passed both houses of the legislature, it heads to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.