47:4-4. a. There is created in the division a program to be known as the “Address Confidentiality Program.” A qualified person 18 years of age or over, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated qualified person may apply to the director to have an address designated by the director as the applicant’s address. The director shall approve an application if it is filed in the manner and on the form prescribed by the director and if it contains:

(1) a sworn statement by the applicant that the applicant has good reason to believe:

(a) that the applicant is a qualified person as defined in this act or the applicant has applied for an order pursuant to P.L.2015, c.147 (C. 2C:14-13 et al.); and

(b) that the applicant fears further violent acts from the applicant’s assailant or violent acts from other individuals;

(2) a designation of the director as agent for the purpose of receiving process and for the purpose of receipt of mail;

(3) the mailing address where the applicant can be contacted by the director, and a telephone number where the applicant can be called;

(4) the new address or addresses that the applicant requests not be disclosed because of the increased risk of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or other violence; and

(5) the signature of the applicant and any person who assisted in the preparation of the application, and the date.

b. An application shall be filed with the director.

c. Upon approving a completed application, the director shall certify the applicant as a program participant. An applicant shall be certified for four years following the date of filing unless the certification is withdrawn or invalidated before that date.

d. A program participant may apply to be recertified every four years thereafter.

e. A program participant may use the address designated by the director as his or her work address.

f. Upon receipt of first class mail addressed to a program participant, the director or a designee shall forward the mail to the actual address of the participant. The director may arrange to receive and forward other kinds and classes of mail for any program participant at the participant’s expense. The actual address of a program participant shall be available only to the director and to those employees involved in the operation of the address confidentiality program and to law enforcement officers for law enforcement purposes.

g. The director, in accordance with the provisions of the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.

amended 2019, c.175, s.3.