Courts could order some domestic abuse offenders to register

A sentencing court may order a person to register with the Department of Public Safety. This applies to people convicted under chapter 565 of a felony or class A misdemeanor involving physical injury, a threat of injury, or sexual assault against a family or household member. A person is high risk if they have at least two prior convictions for such offenses or an approved assessment finds a high risk of reoffending. Before ordering registration, the court must hold a hearing on whether the person is high risk and registration is needed for public safety. The person has the right to a lawyer and to present evidence. The court must make written findings supporting any order. A person ordered to register must do so within 72 hours of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever comes later.

People ordered to register must give the department personal, address, work, and vehicle information and update it when details change. These duties apply to people a sentencing court orders to register. The department may require other information it considers necessary. The department must offer reasonable steps and help to people who are homeless, lack stable housing, or otherwise cannot strictly meet the update rule. Updates are due within 10 days of a change. Registration lasts five years after the sentence, probation, or parole ends, unless the court orders otherwise. After three years of compliance with no new offenses, a person may ask the court to remove them from the registry.

The Department of Public Safety must keep a confidential registry, notify victims before sharing offender information with law enforcement, and help people comply. These rules cover information in the registry, victims, people ordered to register, and the agencies that use or manage the registry. Only law enforcement and courts may access the registry for investigations, supervision, or victim safety planning. Information may not be made public or used to identify or locate a victim. A first knowing and willful failure to register or update information can bring a fine of up to $500 only after written notice and 15 days to correct it. A second or later willful failure is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The department would audit the registry every three years and report to the legislature every two years. The program would end six years after its effective date unless the legislature renews it.