STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX –  Legislation sponsored by State Representative Julie Willoughby to provide additional funding for Arizona’s Address Confidentiality Program cleared a major hurdle today, passing the House Appropriations Committee with strong support.

HB2177 allocates $400,000 from the state’s General Fund in Fiscal Year 2026 to the Address Confidentiality Program Fund, ensuring victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual offenses have greater access to vital protections. The bill also signals legislative intent to maintain this funding in future years.

“The last thing survivors should have to worry about is their abuser finding them,” said Representative Willoughby. “This program gives them a way to shield their home address and regain some peace of mind. Strengthening it is not just necessary – it’s the right thing to do. We must make sure this program has the resources to continue providing safety and security for those who need it most.”

Administered by the Secretary of State, the Address Confidentiality Program allows survivors to use a substitute address for government records, protecting them from being tracked down through public documents. The program also provides mail forwarding services to ensure participants can safely receive essential correspondence without revealing their actual location.

Currently, funding for the program primarily comes from fees imposed on convicted domestic violence and stalking offenders. HB2177 supplements this revenue, reinforcing the state’s commitment to keeping survivors safe.

Having passed the Appropriations Committee, the bill now moves to the Rules Committee and then on to the full House for consideration.

Julie Willoughby is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 13 in Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes. She also serves as the House Majority Whip. Follow her on X at @JWilloughbyAZ.