![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/02-10-15_official_hs_omara-hs-040_0.jpg?itok=gJ9N77KJ)
Modern Crime Fighting
Thomas F. O'Mara
August 2, 2012
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/dna_expansion_rotator_done_4_1_0.jpg?itok=FgOJPoUm)
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on August 1 that "the groundbreaking law expanding New York State's DNA databank by requiring anyone convicted of any felony or Penal Law misdemeanor to provide a DNA sample is now effective."
That's great news.
The State Legislature gave final approval to the expansion and it was signed into law by the governor earlier this year.
The expansion of the state's DNA databank is a move that law enforcement leaders locally and across New York State have called an essential modern-day crime-fighting tool.
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom![Senator O'Mara shares his weekly perspective on issues facing New York State government.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/weeklycolumn-image2_64.jpg?itok=FfdNz70l)
![We are hopeful that ongoing state assistance will prove successful in helping localities complete vital projects including sewer and pipeline repairs," said Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/drinkingwater_newweb_0.jpg?itok=diS-yMJn)
!["We must continue to take important steps to establish stronger state support for local roads, bridges and culverts in critical need of rehabilitation and replacement," said Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/chips-candid1_newwebpng_4.png?itok=28LXGF1O)