CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates would establish a statewide Domestic Violence Registry, requiring certain offenders convicted of crimes against intimate partners to register with the State Police and have key information made publicly available.
House Bill 5341 proposes creating a new registry similar in structure to the state’s sex offender registry, aimed specifically at people convicted of domestic violence offenses involving intimate partners. Lawmakers say the measure is designed to improve public safety and give communities access to information about repeat and high-risk offenders.
Under the bill, individuals convicted of domestic battery, domestic assault, or strangulation involving an intimate partner — including spouses, former spouses, co-parents, cohabitants, or romantic partners — would be required to register. In certain cases involving other household members, judges could also order registration if they find a documented pattern of abuse or ongoing risk.
Registrants would be required to report in person to their local State Police detachment and provide detailed identifying information, including home address, employment and school locations, vehicle data, online account identifiers, photographs, and fingerprints. Updates to residence, job, or school status would have to be reported within 10 business days.
The State Police would maintain the registry and publish approved offender details online, while shielding victim identities and certain personal contact information. Law enforcement agencies, school officials, child protective services, and victim service organizations would also receive notification.
The registration requirement would generally last 10 years after release from incarceration or supervision. Individuals whose convictions are overturned could petition to be removed from the registry.
The bill sets penalties for noncompliance. Failing to register or update required information could result in misdemeanor charges for a first offense and felony charges for repeat violations. The proposal also creates criminal penalties for anyone who knowingly helps an offender avoid registration requirements.
House Bill 5341 has been introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. Lawmakers say the registry is intended as a public safety tool, not additional punishment, and is focused on offenders who present an ongoing risk of intimate partner violence.
