DES MOINES – The Safe at Home Act, a top priority of Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, passed the Iowa House Thursday with overwhelming support. The bill, House File 585, received unanimous approval from legislators, 100-0.

The Safe at Home Act establishes an address confidentiality program that protects victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, trafficking and stalking by keeping their home address private. Participants receive a new legal address to be used for all official purposes. Their actual home address will not be included on public records, such as voter registration and absentee ballot lists. There is no cost for participants to enroll in the Safe at Home program.

The Iowa Secretary of State will implement the Safe at Home program. It is already active in 33 other states.

"This bill is way past due in Iowa," Secretary of State Paul Pate said. "We are giving people back their safety and opportunity to become active again in our society. Victims of these types of crimes are often forced to become reclusive. The Safe at Home Act provides them with an opportunity to retake part of their lives."

Representative Dean Fisher of Garwin worked closely with Secretary Pate in drafting and advocating for the Safe at Home Act's passage. Secretary Pate applauds Rep. Fisher for initiating and navigating this bill through the legislative process.

"It's the culmination of months of work by a dedicated team, a team that simply wants to help victims of domestic violence remain Safe At Home," Rep. Fisher said. "My office is guided by three main principles: service, participation and integrity. The Safe at Home Act covers all three. It is a tool that can help rebuild lives," Secretary Pate added.

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