The Safer Homes and Families Act addresses several aspects of domestic violence protection and support. The bill creates a new federal crime for using unauthorized geotracking devices to stalk someone, making it illegal to track another person's location without their consent. For divorced individuals who were victims of domestic violence, the legislation reduces the marriage length requirement from ten years to five years in order to qualify for their ex-spouse's Social Security benefits, with an effective date of 18 months after enactment. The bill also establishes a $10 million per year demonstration program through 2028 to train healthcare providers and other professionals in trauma-informed approaches when responding to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Additionally, the legislation prohibits landlords from charging early termination fees to tenants who leave their lease due to being victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
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