Safe at Home Act
Summary
The Safe at Home Act requires executive agencies and Federal courts to comply with state address confidentiality programs (ACPs). These programs allow individuals at risk to use a designated address instead of their actual physical address. The Act aims to protect participants from potential harm by ensuring their physical addresses remain confidential.
Expected Effects
This Act will mandate that federal entities accept designated addresses provided by state ACPs. It also provides exemptions from liability for participants using designated addresses and establishes procedures for agencies and courts to acquire physical addresses when necessary, subject to confidentiality protections.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced safety and privacy for individuals enrolled in address confidentiality programs.
- Reduced risk of harm or harassment for participants by keeping their physical addresses confidential.
- Improved compliance and consistency across federal agencies and courts regarding address confidentiality.
- Clear guidelines for acquiring physical addresses when necessary, balancing safety with agency needs.
- Exemption from FOIA ensures the confidentiality of acquired physical addresses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden for executive agencies and Federal courts to update regulations and procedures.
- Possible delays or complications in legal proceedings or agency actions due to the use of designated addresses.
- Risk of misuse of the law enforcement and administration exceptions, potentially compromising participant safety.
- Increased complexity in inter-agency communication and data sharing.
- Potential for increased costs associated with implementing and maintaining compliance with the Act.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting domestic tranquility and ensuring justice for vulnerable populations. While the Constitution does not explicitly address address confidentiality, the Act supports the general welfare by protecting individuals from harm and ensuring their access to government services without compromising their safety. The balance between privacy and law enforcement needs, as addressed in the Fourth Amendment, is considered through the law enforcement exception, requiring a court order for disclosure.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).