Hochul signs 2 bills intended to help domestic violence victims

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Gov. Kathy Hochul Thursday signed two bills into law meant to help victims of domestic violence.

The first requires utility companies to let victims out of their contract so they won’t have to for services at a location they’ve left.

The second bill makes it easier for victims to keep their voter registration records confidential by allowing them to make an affirmation to the Board of Elections asking for their information to be kept confidential for four years.

Previously, a victim of domestic violence would have to apply to the Supreme Court for a court order to keep the information from being disclosed.