The proposed bill seeks to create a Domestic Violence Registry in West Virginia, requiring individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses to register with the State Police in their county of residence. The registry aims to improve public safety by providing law enforcement and the public with information about domestic violence offenders while ensuring that this information is not used for retribution. The bill details the definitions of domestic violence, the registration process, and the information offenders must provide, including personal, employment, and educational details. Offenders will be required to register both retroactively and prospectively for a period of ten years following their release from incarceration or mental health facilities, with any changes in their information needing to be reported within ten business days.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new provisions, such as the requirement for the State Police to manage records from various agencies regarding domestic violence offenders and the obligation for registrants to notify the State Police of any changes in residence at least ten business days prior to moving. It includes penalties for non-compliance, with escalating consequences for repeat offenses, and provides immunity from civil liability for public officials and agencies acting in good faith under the new provisions. The bill also mandates that officials inform offenders of their registration duties before release, requires annual verification of registrant information, and establishes guidelines for the registration of out-of-state offenders, thereby enhancing the enforcement of domestic violence laws in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-17-1, 15-17-2, 15-17-3, 15-17-4, 15-17-5, 15-17-6, 15-17-7, 15-17-8, 15-17-9, 15-17-10, 15-17-11, 15-17-12