Safe at Home Act

This bill makes it easier and safer for people in state address confidentiality programs to interact with the federal government. Federal agencies and federal courts must accept a person’s substitute “designated address” instead of their real home, school, or work address. People using a designated address cannot be punished under federal rules for not listing their physical address. Agencies have one year after the law takes effect to update their rules to follow this policy. If someone’s participation in a program ends, they must quickly tell any federal agency or court that used their designated address. Physical addresses gathered under these rules are kept confidential and are not released under the Freedom of Information Act. There are limited exceptions for federal criminal cases and certain administrative needs, with court oversight and strict limits on how the address can be used.

• Who: People enrolled in a state address confidentiality program; federal agencies; federal courts.
• What: Must accept designated addresses; no penalties for using them; physical addresses kept confidential and exempt from FOIA; narrow court-approved exceptions for law enforcement and some agency needs.
• When: Agencies must update regulations within 1 year; participants must promptly notify agencies/courts if their program enrollment ends.