ATLANTA (AP) - Victims of domestic violence could change their names privately under a bill approved by the Georgia House.
House members voted unanimously Monday in support of the proposal from Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton. The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence has also supported the change.
Allison Smith-Burk is the group's director of public policy and says the change would give advocacy organizations another tool to help victims stay safe.
Name changes now are required to be listed in public court documents. Smith-Burk says that's frightening for victims who worry that an abusive spouse or partner will continue to stalk them.
The bill would allow a judge to keep name-change records sealed in domestic violence cases.
Friday marks a key deadline for lawmakers. Bills must pass at least one chamber to remain alive.
