Domestic violence registry would be important for Mississippi

Mississippi lawmakers have the opportunity this year to take an important step forward in battling the spread of domestic violence.

Several bills pending in the Mississippi Legislature this session propose creating a public online system displaying information about people convicted of two or more domestic violence offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. Each entry would include a picture, name, county of conviction and charges. The Department of Public Safety would maintain the information.

Akin to sexual offender registries, which are law across the nation, a domestic violence registry would create an easily accessible, public source for tracking and identifying repeat offenders.

At least three different bills are expected to be filed this session, and some propose a lifetime listing on the registry for anyone convicted of felony domestic violence.

Domestic felonies can include aggravated domestic violence and more than three misdemeanor domestic violence assaults. Individuals listed in the Mississippi registry would have to have at least one conviction in Mississippi, although convictions from other states could be counted toward the repeat offender designation.