NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9538
SPONSOR: Beephan TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend executive law, in relation to establishing a publicly
accessible online registry for individuals convicted of a second or
subsequent domestic violence offense
PURPOSE::
The purpose of this bill is to enhance public safety and accountability
by establishing a publicly accessible online registry of individuals who
have been convicted of a second or subsequent domestic violence Offense,
The registry will provide limited identifying information to the public
while safeguarding sensitive personal data, thereby helping to prevent
repeat offenses and empowering victims and communities with critical
information,
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Section 1: This bill amends the executive law by adding a new section,
837-f-3, to establish a publicly accessible registry for individuals
convicted of a second or subsequent domestic violence offense. . Subdi-
vision 1 defines key terms. Subdivision 2 creates the Domestic Violence
Registry within the Division of Criminal Justice Services and requires
the Division to maintain the registry and make it available to the
public online. Subdivision 3 specifies the limited information that may
be included in the public registry. Subdivision 4 requires courts to
order registration upon a qualifying conviction and directs court clerks
to transmit necessary information to the Division in a timely manner.
Subdivision 5 establishes a registration fee to support the adminis-
tration of the registry. Subdivision 6 sets tiered timeframes. Section
2: Sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION::
Domestic violence is a serious and persistent public safety issue, with
repeat offenders posing a heightened risk to victims and the broader
community. While New York State has taken important steps to strengthen
protections for survivors, there remains a critical gap in accountabil-
ity and transparency for individuals who repeatedly commit domestic
violence offenses. This bill addresses that gap by creating a narrowly
tailored, publicly accessible registry focused exclusively on repeat
offenders, not first-time convictions. By limiting the information
displayed and excluding sensitive personal data, the bill carefully
balances public safety with privacy concerns. The registry will serve as
a deterrent to repeat offenses, provide victims with additional tools to
protect themselves, and assist communities in identifying patterns of
abuse. Similar registries have proven effective in increasing awareness
and accountability without undermining due process.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027, and shall apply to
persons convicted of an offense committed against a domestic abuse
victim that occurred on or after January 1, 2027; provided, however,
that a prior conviction is not required to occur on or after January 1,
2027.
