| The Health and Human Services Agency has requested a support position on SB 1093 (Jackson) which adds Adult Protective Services social workers to the list of staff who can obtain enhanced confidentiality protections from the Department of Motor Vehicles. In general, current state law makes confidential the home addresses of all individuals contained within DMV records. However, the law allows for disclosure to courts, law enforcement agencies, and other governmental agencies, along with limited disclosure to financial institutions, insurance companies, attorneys, vehicle manufacturers, and persons doing statistical research. Enhanced protection is available under Vehicle Code Section 1808.4 to 23 classes of persons whose jobs are particularly sensitive. This primarily includes law enforcement, along with child protective services workers and community care licensing staff. These individuals, along with their spouses and children may request that their home addresses be held confidential by DMV.
As the Adult Protective Services program has been implemented over the past two decades, and as our population ages, the level of crime perpetrated against elder and dependent adults has increased and the criminals have grown more sophisticated, encompassing financial abuse as well as physical abuse and neglect. As the number and sophistication of crimes committed against elder and dependent adults has increased so too has the likelihood of Adult Protective Services workers being targeted for retaliation.
This item was brought to the Legislative Subcommittee for a recommendation. The Subcommittee concurred on a support position; however, since this bill falls outside our legislative platform it is being brought to the full Board for consideration. Should the Board approve a support position, staff will prepare the attached letter of support (Att. A) for the Chair's signature.
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