The proposed legislation establishes a domestic violence offense registry in Washington State, aimed at addressing the serious issue of domestic violence and its impact on families and communities. The registry will include individuals convicted of repeated or felony-level domestic violence offenses, providing public access to information about these offenders to enhance community safety. The bill outlines the definitions of relevant terms, such as "conviction" and "qualifying domestic violence offense," and mandates that courts notify offenders of their inclusion in the registry upon conviction. The Washington State Patrol will maintain a central registry that is publicly accessible through a searchable website, containing essential information about the offenders, including their names, dates of birth, conviction details, and photographs.

Additionally, the bill specifies the duration of time individuals will remain on the registry based on the severity of their offenses, with provisions for removal after certain conditions are met, such as a period of rehabilitation without further convictions. It also includes processes for individuals to petition for removal from the registry and outlines the responsibilities of the Washington State Patrol in notifying registered individuals of any changes to registration requirements. The legislation amends existing laws related to name changes, ensuring that individuals on the registry must follow specific procedures when applying for a name change, particularly to prevent interference with law enforcement interests. Overall, the bill aims to create a regulatory framework that balances public safety with the rights of individuals who have been convicted of domestic violence offenses.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 4.24.130