SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Juan Alanis, R-Modesto, passed another bill off the Assembly Floor last week, as AB 243 would allow victims of child abduction to enroll in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program.
“Current law allows victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and similar violent crimes to apply for the Safe at Home Program,” said Alanis. “However, victims of kidnapping are not currently eligible.”
The Safe at Home Program allows registrants to keep their real name and residential address confidential on all public records, including mail.
AB 243 passed through the Assembly just one day after National Missing Children’s Day, recognized on May 25 each year. A day earlier, Alanis passed ACR 77 off the Assembly floor unanimously in solidarity with victims of child abduction and their families.
“I am grateful to have received bipartisan and bicameral support on both AB 243 and ACR 77,” said Alanis. “I will continue working to help crime victims heal and feel safe in their own homes.”
Both AB 243 and ACR 77 and are now headed to the Senate.
Sen. Alvarado-Gil helps preserve CASA funding
Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, D-Jackson, achieved a victory in her fight to preserve funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, her offer announced last week.
Sen. Alvarado-Gil was part a bipartisan effort urging the Appropriations Committee to reject Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed $40 million funding cut to the CASA program.
This funding supports volunteer advocacy for children who are legal wards of the state.
"I am pleased to announce that our united bipartisan effort has successfully protected the funding for the CASA program," said Alvarado-Gil.
California is home to the largest number of children and youth in foster care nationwide. By law, the courts and the state's social services departments must step in and shield them from further harm. While professionals strive to ensure the well-being of each child, the courts and the child welfare system benefit from the work of trained volunteer CASA advocates.
The request had the support of 41 lawmakers in both houses and parties.
