This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require that any person convicted of crimes under the provisions of 61-8B-1 et seq., which includes sexual offenses, must register under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Notably, it clarifies that individuals previously convicted of the now-repealed 61-8B-6, which pertained to sexual assault of a spouse, are still required to register. The bill also updates the registration requirements to include current provisions related to sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of various officials in ensuring that individuals required to register are informed of their obligations upon release from confinement. It mandates that the State Police maintain a central registry of all registrants and specifies the information that must be collected during registration, including personal details and any identifying information related to vehicles or electronic devices. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals convicted of sexual offenses are properly monitored and that their information is accessible to law enforcement and the public, while also providing definitions for key terms related to sexually violent offenses and predators.

Statutes affected:
Originating in Committee: 15-12-2, 61-8B-1, 61-8B-6
Engrossed Version: 15-12-2, 61-8B-1, 61-8B-6