INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers is proposing legislation that would create a public registry of repeat domestic violence offenders maintained by the state’s criminal investigations agency.

The proposal, House Bill 846, was introduced May 6 by state Reps. Phil Plummer and Cecil Thomas according to WCMH.

Bill would create public offender registry

Under the proposed legislation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation would be required to maintain a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses more than once.

The bill applies to individuals convicted of, or pleading guilty or no contest to, a second or subsequent violation of Ohio’s domestic violence statute under Section 2919.25 of the Ohio Revised Code.

That law prohibits knowingly or recklessly causing physical harm to a family or household member or creating fear of imminent physical harm.

Registry details and required information

If enacted, the registry would include an offender’s name, date of birth, photograph, and record of conviction or plea.

Individuals would be required to register with the BCI within seven days of conviction or plea and submit identification and related documentation.

The proposal specifically excludes sensitive personal information such as home addresses, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers from public view.

Removal timeline outlined in bill

The legislation includes provisions for automatic removal from the registry after certain periods:

• Offenders with one prior conviction: removed after 2 years
• Offenders with two prior convictions: removed after 5 years
• Offenders with three or more prior convictions: removed after 10 years

Privacy and safety concerns raised

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network said it is reviewing the proposal and has raised concerns about potential privacy risks.

A spokesperson said publicly identifying offenders could unintentionally expose victims, depending on case circumstances.

The group said it has not yet taken an official position on the legislation but is evaluating input from experts and survivors.

National context and similar laws

The proposal follows similar legislation in other states. Tennessee became the first state to enact a domestic violence offender registry law in 2025 under what is known as Savanna’s Law.

Since then, lawmakers in multiple states have introduced comparable proposals.

Next steps in the legislative process

House Bill 846 is currently awaiting committee assignment and its first hearing in the Ohio House.

If it advances, the bill would need approval from both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly and the signature of Gov. Mike DeWine before becoming law.