Creating a domestic violence registry

HB 3242 would create a state-maintained domestic violence registry for individuals convicted of three or more misdemeanor or felony domestic violence offenses. The West Virginia State Police’s Criminal Identification Bureau would establish and maintain this registry, which would include names and identifying details of those meeting the conviction threshold. Specific organizations - such as residential care facilities, schools, and home care providers serving children, incapacitated adults, or adults receiving behavioral health services - could access the registry to verify if an individual has a relevant conviction. The bill requires prosecuting attorneys to provide necessary information for registry entries and defines clear criteria for inclusion and access, focusing on safety for vulnerable populations.