The bill, H.B. No. 2956, proposes the establishment of a central database by the Department of Public Safety that will contain information about individuals convicted of or granted deferred adjudication community supervision for offenses involving family violence. This new Chapter 61 of the Code of Criminal Procedure outlines definitions, registration requirements, and procedures for maintaining the database. Individuals who fall under this category must register until ten years after their last conviction or grant of deferred adjudication. The bill also mandates that local law enforcement authorities notify the public about registered individuals, including their address changes, while ensuring that certain personal information remains confidential.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for public notice requirements, penalties for non-compliance with registration, and the ability for individuals to petition for exemption from registration under specific circumstances. It allows the Department of Public Safety to seek funding for the database and registration system, ensuring that the implementation is contingent upon available resources. The bill is designed to enhance public safety and awareness regarding individuals with a history of family violence offenses while balancing the need for privacy in certain personal information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.135 (Government Code 411)