Rep. Don McLaughlin Introduces Family Violence Registration Program

02-18-25
 Press Release from State of Texas Representative Don McLaughlin

McLaughlin is taking swift action to protect our families from dangerous offenders. House Bill 2956 creates the Family Violence Registration Program, a groundbreaking database that would stop offenders in their tracks and provide law enforcement and communities with real-time access to potentially life-saving information.

Creating a state-run database, this bill would establish a system to track individuals convicted of or granted deferred adjudication community supervision for family violence offenses. These offenders will be forced to register annually, more often if deemed a greater threat. Failure to register will result in criminal penalties, including a Class C misdemeanor.

“If you lay your hand on an innocent man, woman, or child, you will pay the price, and the state will ensure your sickening actions don’t lurk in our communities,” said Rep. McLaughlin. “This bill equips law enforcement, institutions, and communities with tools to track and stop offenders before they strike again.

There’s no excuse for domestic violence, and no abuser should get a free pass.”
Modeled after the Sex Offender Registration Program, the Family Violence Registration Program is a vital step in combatting domestic violence, providing communities with the resources necessary to protect themselves.

“This is a bipartisan issue,” continued Rep. McLaughlin. “Protecting Texans should not be debated. I urge my colleagues to come together and support this life-saving legislation. Opposition to this bill is a slap in the face to the families we represent, especially to women, who are at the greatest risk of domestic violence. I stand resolute in the fight to protect our communities, and I vow to always do what is right.”