House unanimously advances bill to shield alleged domestic-violence victims' locations from perpetrators

The Utah House on Jan. 28 passed House Bill 183, which revises what information law enforcement must provide following an arrest for domestic violence to avoid disclosing an alleged victim’s location to the alleged perpetrator.

Sponsor Representative Peggy Wallace told the House that the bill removes the requirement to give the alleged perpetrator the victim’s address and instead provides appropriate information to each party consistent with victim safety and law-enforcement needs. "This law is needed. It's a protection law," Wallace said, explaining that the change is designed to prevent perpetrators from learning victims' whereabouts and to reduce the risk of further harm.

Discussion on the floor included questions about timing of notices and whether information should be provided at arrest or before release; sponsors said written reports and required notices would be handled to minimize risk while preserving necessary procedural information. Wallace disclosed a conflict of interest, noting she serves on the board of South Valley Sanctuary, a domestic-violence shelter involved in bringing the bill forward.

Representative Bryson and others praised the measure as an improvement to existing protections. Law-enforcement representatives were said to have reviewed the bill and expressed willingness to implement the required procedures with modest administrative changes.

The House voted 70–0 in favor; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.