This bill aims to amend the Sex Offender Registration Act in West Virginia by adding a new section that provides definitions and clarifies registration requirements for individuals who do not have a permanent residence. The new section, designated as 15-12-1b, introduces several definitions, including "business days," "mental abnormality," "predatory act," "sexually motivated," "sexually violent offense," "sexually violent predator," and "transient residence." These definitions are intended to enhance the clarity of the law and ensure that individuals required to register can fulfill their obligations even if they lack a fixed address.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing registration procedures by requiring individuals to update their registration information within ten days of any changes, including transient residences. It also specifies the information that must be provided during registration, such as the registrant's full name, Social Security number, and details about any transient residences. Furthermore, the bill establishes an annual registration fee of $125, which must be paid to the circuit clerk and reported to the State Police. The funds collected from these fees are designated for enhancing mental health services for current and former law enforcement personnel. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the registration process for sex offenders while ensuring compliance with legal obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-12-2, 15-12-1b