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House approves bill allowing first responders and spouses to request confidential voter registration addresses
Summary
House Bill 11‑95, which permits a first responder or the spouse of a first responder to request confidential status for their voter registration address, cleared the House on April 7 after committee reports were adopted; sponsors said the change builds on existing confidential‑voter processes for people who fear for their safety.
The Colorado House approved House Bill 11‑95 on April 7, a measure that allows a first responder or the spouse of a first responder to request that the address on their voter registration record be kept confidential by the county clerk and recorder or the Secretary of State.
Representative Martinez, a sponsor, said the bill adapts existing confidential‑voter processes so first responders have a clear, appropriate option that reflects the occupational risk that can make them targets. “First responders don't want to do an oath lightly, and if they don't feel that they're in immediate danger, but their job can put them in danger at a moment's notice … it leaves them feeling very uncomfortable,” Martinez said on the floor.
Under current statute, a person can obtain confidential voter status after swearing that they are in immediate danger; sponsors said HB 11‑95 creates a subcategory allowing first responders or their spouses to assert that occupational risk without invoking an immediate‑danger oath. Sponsors said the bill was drafted with input from the Secretary of State’s office and county clerks and includes appropriations follow‑up handled in the Appropriations Committee.
The House adopted the Appropriations Committee report on the bill and later adopted the bill on second reading; final recorded vote and tally on the floor were not specified in the transcript excerpted for this meeting report.
