Missouri elected officials are pushing to expand state confidentiality programs that hide the home addresses of victims of domestic violence.
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt introduced legislation Thursday to require federal agencies and courts to accept substitute addresses created through state programs.
Missouri is among 36 states with address confidentiality programs.
The programs allow victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking and other crimes to route mail through a state-run post office box. Participants also can use a substitute address in court proceedings or for other public records.
The federal legislation would ensure substitute addresses could also be used for federal records such as passport applications, federal court proceedings and Social Security.
Other Missouri supporters include Sen. Claire McCaskill, Rep. Jason Smith and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.