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, Chapter 61, outlines definitions, registration requirements, and public notice obligations related to these individuals. It mandates that those required to register must do so until ten years after their last conviction or grant of deferred adjudication. The bill also includes provisions for notifying individuals of their registration duties, tracking compliance, and maintaining public access to certain information while protecting sensitive data.

Additionally, the bill introduces a criminal offense for failing to comply with registration requirements, classified as a Class C misdemeanor. It allows individuals to petition for exemption from registration under specific circumstances, and it outlines the procedures for public notification by local law enforcement authorities regarding registered individuals. The bill emphasizes the importance of funding for the establishment and maintenance of the database and related systems, with provisions for the Department to accept donations to support these efforts. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, with existing laws remaining in effect for prior offenses.

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