HB 5294 Summary

• Establishes a registry maintained by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection of persons convicted of financial crimes against elderly persons (age 60+), effective July 1, 2025.

• Requires convicted offenders to register within 14 days of release into the community and maintain registration for 5 years, with annual in-person verification at local police departments.

• Violations of registration requirements are Class D felonies, including failure to notify of address or name changes within 5 business days.

• Makes registry information public and shareable with law enforcement; requires Department of Public Health to include registrants in background search database for long-term care facility employees and volunteers by July 1, 2025.

• Prohibits probate and superior courts from allowing name changes for registrants unless they comply with notification requirements; grants Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection standing to challenge name change applications.