Requesting The Department Of The Attorney General To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Creating A Domestic Violence Registry That Would Be Used Similarly To The Sex Offender Registry.
The establishment of a domestic violence registry could significantly alter how domestic violence cases are managed and communicated within the community. If the study finds that creating such a registry is feasible, it could lead to increased public awareness and safety measures surrounding domestic violence offenders. This may help in monitoring and managing repeated offenses while reinforcing protections for victims by making information more accessible to law enforcement and the community.
HCR95 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Hawaii Legislature, which requests the Department of the Attorney General to conduct a study on the feasibility of creating a domestic violence registry. This registry is proposed to function similarly to the existing sex offender registry, aiming to provide public access to information regarding domestic violence offenders. There are precedents for such registries in other states, including West Virginia and Indiana, underpinning the motivation for this legislative effort in Hawaii.
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the legal and constitutional implications of establishing a domestic violence registry. Concerns could include potential privacy violations for offenders and the viability of implementing such a registry without infringing on civil liberties. Additionally, the logistics, cost implications, and effectiveness of a registry compared to other safety measures may be debated within the legislature and the public.
The resolution outlines specific components that the study should encompass, including identifying relevant domestic violence offenses, evaluating potential models for the registry, and considering any legal obstacles or enforcement mechanisms needed. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be submitted to the legislature before the Regular Session of 2024, laying the groundwork for potential legislation to create the registry.