West Virginia Code Chapter 15. Public Safety § 15-13-1. Intent and findings

(a) It is the intent of this article to assist law-enforcement agencies' efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect by requiring persons convicted of child abuse or neglect to register with the State Police detachment in the county of his or her residence and to report information as required by section two of this article. It is not the intent of the Legislature that this act be used to inflict retribution or additional punishment on any person convicted of any offense requiring registration under this article. This article is intended to be regulatory in nature and not penal, and is intended to provide for the safety of children who are exposed to persons convicted of child abuse and neglect.

(b) The Legislature finds and declares that there is a compelling and necessary public interest that children be protected from physical abuse and neglect, and that requirements of this article are appropriate and reasonable because of this compelling state interest.

(c) The Legislature also finds and declares that persons required to register for committing child abuse or neglect pursuant to this article have a reduced expectation of privacy because of the state's interest in public safety.