Relates to requiring training of police department and state police personnel on the protocols of the address confidentiality program

• Democratic8
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Julia Salazar says this is needed

New York's Address Confidentiality Program provides eligible individuals with a confidential address alternative, ensuring privacy and safety. Participants receive an assigned Albany post office box, accepted by state and local agencies. Private entities may voluntarily recognize this address. Pursuant to the Address Confidentiality Program, court-re- lated documents may be submitted to the Secretary of State's Albany office for confidential forwarding via certified mail to program partic- ipants' designated addresses. The program serves victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual offense, and human trafficking relocating for safety, and their house- hold members. Additionally, reproductive healthcare providers, employ- ees, volunteers, patients, and their immediate family members are eligi- ble. Requiring a training program on the local and state police department's obligations and protocols related to the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is crucial for ensuring victim safety, legal compliance, and consistent implementation. Proper training prevents police officers from inadvertently compromising a victim's safety by disclosing their confi- dential address. It also promotes consistent implementation of ACP protocols across different police departments and jurisdictions, which is essential for providing victims with the same level of protection regardless of where they live in New York State. This legislation can help ensure that police departments prioritize victim safety and provide effective support to victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.