Domestic Violence Registry Proposal Advances In Legislature

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Tuesday that would create a public registry for domestic violence offenders, aiming to increase transparency and safety for victims across the state.

House Bill 5341 would require individuals convicted of certain domestic violence crimes to register with the West Virginia State Police. Their names, conviction dates, and other basic information would be made available to the public online, similar to the state’s existing sex offender registry.

Talia Cartwright, president of West Virginia University’s Her Campus – a woman’s advocacy group – said the measure could help protect victims and improve public safety. Cartwright is a survivor of domestic violence. 

“One single policy I don’t think will completely eliminate domestic violence,” Cartwright said. “But it does allow accountability, and people to access any information – women would be able to have more awareness about someone’s documented history.” 

The bill, sponsored by Delegate Jonathan Kyle, R-Marion, and others, passed the lower chamber with bipartisan support. 

“If we keep one child from having to see a domestic violence incident in the home, and one spouse or intimate partner in the future from being a victim of domestic violence, then this bill has done its job,” Kyle said. 

HB 5341 now heads to the state Senate, where it will be reviewed by the Judiciary Committee.