Ohio Pushes for Repeat Domestic Violence Offender Registry
Advocates seek a new public registry for repeat offenders to provide citizens with information on dating partners.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Kortni Rooker is advocating for Ohio House Bill 846, which would establish a registry for repeat domestic violence offenders managed by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. The proposal aims to shift state policy from reactive measures to preventative strategies after a 2026 domestic disturbance.
Why it matters
Proponents believe a public registry allows individuals to make informed decisions about their partners, addressing domestic violence before it escalates to severe harm. This effort coincides with broader state investments to bolster survivor support through existing shelter networks.
Ohio House Bill 846 remains pending legislative approval, while $1 million in new funding has been allocated to support the state's 55 domestic violence shelters with $18,000 grants each.
The players
Kortni Rooker
She is an advocate for legislative change following her involvement in a domestic disturbance incident.
Mike DeWine
He is the current Governor of Ohio who authorized additional funding for domestic violence shelters.
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation
This state agency would be responsible for managing the proposed registry for repeat domestic violence offenders.
Savanna Puckett
She was a 22-year-old woman whose 2022 murder led to the enactment of Savanna's Law in Tennessee.
The details
Kortni Rooker, who sustained injuries during a January 18 incident, advocates for a system modeled after Tennessee's Savanna's Law. The state is also implementing co-responder partnerships that pair trauma-informed advocates with law enforcement on scene.
Timeline
January 18, 2026: Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at Rooker's home.
2025: State reporting period for domestic violence charges in local counties.
2022: Savanna Puckett was murdered by an ex-boyfriend, inspiring Tennessee legislation.
October 2026: Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Legal Context
The proposed Ohio legislation follows a pattern set by Tennessee's Savanna's Law, which established a state-level public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. This approach shifts focus toward preventative disclosure requirements as a standard tool for public safety.
Residents may see changes in how law enforcement and advocates respond to domestic disturbances through new co-responder partnerships. The proposed registry, if passed, would provide the public with a new mechanism to vet potential partners.
The takeaway
Legislators are increasingly focusing on preventative policy tools like public registries to curb cycles of abuse. Individuals can benefit from these resources by utilizing available public records to make informed decisions about their safety in relationships.
Further reading
For more information on state legislative efforts, visit the Ohio Sex Crimes section.
More information
Citizens can read full proposed Ohio bill to review the specific mandates of the registry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lima News.
