Senate Passes Bill Expanding And Enhancing Dna Database

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.584) that would expand the State’s DNA database to include samples from every person convicted of a crime. The bill will also improve the methods for collection and preservation of DNA evidence and extend the statute of limitations for cases based on DNA evidence.

"The DNA databank is a powerful tool that law enforcement can use to prosecute criminals and protect victims," Senator Andrew Lanza said. "Expanding the scope of the DNA databank means expanding the ability of our law enforcement officials to solve both new crimes and old ones. I’m proud that we in the Senate have passed this bill which will result in many more criminals being identified, arrested and convicted."

Last year the Senate achieved a historic expansion of the DNA databank with the enactment of a law which for the first time included samples from criminals convicted of all felonies and the most common misdemeanors. Today’s bill strengthens this law by mandating that authorities collect DNA from every person convicted of a crime, as well as individuals on probation, parole supervision or registered as sex offenders.

This legislation further increases the impact of the DNA database by extending the statute of limitations for DNA cases. DNA evidence is considered the most effective technique for identifying the perpetrator of a crime. A DNA sample found at a crime scene remains incredibly accurate, regardless of how much time passes. Understanding the unique nature of DNA as evidence in an investigation makes this extension of the statute of limitations a critical way of utilizing the database.

The bill includes several provisions to expand the scope and effectiveness of DNA collection:

>Expands the application for DNA collection to cover all convictions, including various misdemeanors, youthful offenders and registered sex offenders, in order to increase the utility of DNA in solving future crimes.

>Specifies the public officers responsible for collecting DNA samples from defendants to ensure that every person convicted of a crime has their DNA collected and added to the databank.

>Develops guidelines for the collection and preservation of DNA samples to establish effective and consistent practices whenever DNA is collected.

>Enhances the rights of criminal defendants by allowing them to apply for DNA testing before their trial begins and also in cases where they have previously pleaded guilty. The bill also expands the scope of a defendant‘s application to include a comparison between crime-scene evidence and DNA databanks.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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