An Act Regarding the Domestic Violence Advocate Privilege
Sponsored By: Anne M. Carney (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger privacy for victim and advocate talks
The law protects private talks and records between a victim and a domestic violence advocate. A victim can refuse to share them. Advocates and their agencies generally cannot be forced to disclose them in court. The rule covers spoken and written communications made during the relationship. Limited exceptions apply as set out in the statute.
Who counts as a domestic violence advocate
The law defines who is a domestic violence advocate. To qualify, a person must work for or volunteer with a domestic violence services provider. They must complete at least 40 hours of training on confidentiality, mandated reporting, legal process, advocacy, and local resources. It also defines providers as private, nonprofit, or tribal groups that mainly help victims with crisis help, safety planning, and legal information.
Advocates get records for safety planning
A criminal justice agency can give a domestic violence advocate confidential criminal history and investigative information to plan a victim’s safety. The advocate must use it only for that purpose and cannot share it further. They must keep physical copies secure and destroy them within 30 days. Criminal justice agencies may audit compliance. The advocate’s organization must protect the agencies from lawsuits that result from sharing the information.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anne M. Carney
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 139
5/29/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-104).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-104) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-104).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
5/20/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateReceived by the Secretary of the Senate on February 5, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2
2/11/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-104), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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