Bill > HB5502

This bill aims to bring state law in compliance with the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by expanding the applicability of the Act, modifying the reporting requirements, and increasing penalties for persons convicted of sexual offenses that require them to register with the sex offender registry. Key provisions include: - Expanding the list of federal crimes that require registration, such as video voyeurism of a minor, offenses resulting in death, and selling or buying children. - Increasing the duration of registration from 10 years to 15 or 25 years for certain offenses, and lifetime registration for repeat offenders or those convicted of the most serious sexual crimes. - Requiring more frequent in-person reporting for registered offenders, ranging from annually to four times per year depending on the length of their registration period. - Mandating that registered offenders provide a DNA sample and prohibiting them from living within 2,500 feet of a school or daycare facility. - Increasing penalties for failing to register or provide accurate information, including potential felony charges and prison time. Overall, the bill strengthens West Virginia's sex offender registration and notification requirements to better align with federal standards and enhance public safety.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5502&year=2024&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill