Senator Larkin Votes to Approve Historic Expansion of Dna Databank – Key Measure to Help Solve Crimes, Combat Sexual Predators

Launches “Join the Fight” Online Petition at www.larkin.nysenate.gov

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced that the State Senate has approved legislation to implement the largest expansion of the State’s DNA databank since it was first created in 1994.  The expansion would help law enforcement close thousands of unsolved cases, bring justice to crime victims, and help prevent dangerous criminals from committing additional crimes.

The Senator also launched a new “Join the Fight” online petition at www.larkin.nysenate.gov, to garner public support for the proposal, and help ensure that it becomes law this year.

“Expanding the DNA database is a tremendous step forward for law enforcement,” said Senator Larkin.  “We must continue to do everything in our power to protect our families, friends and neighbors from repeat offenders and this legislation will allow our police and courts the ability to track those criminals who continue to pray upon others,” said Larkin.  “With the Governor and numerous law enforcement and victim’s rights organizations supporting this legislation, I hope the Assembly sees fit to pass this bill as soon as possible in order to protect the citizens of New York,” said Larkin.

“That’s why I am calling on my constituents in both Orange and Ulster County to sign my online petition and join my fight to get the DNA expansion bill signed into law this year,” the Senator added.

Last year, the State Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation to expand the databank, and Governor Andrew Cuomo recently included a similar measure as part of his Executive Budget proposal.  The new measure approved by the Senate mirrors the Governor’s proposal. 

Since its inception, the State’s DNA databank has transformed criminal investigations and prosecutions to make them more accurate and effective, in addition to helping exonerate the innocent.

However, DNA is only collected from fewer than half of convicted criminals because current law does not require the collection of DNA from many individuals convicted of certain crimes. This has hampered the ability of law enforcement to solve crimes, and enabled some criminals to remain free to commit additional acts of violence.

“Last year, I supported legislation that was approved with strong bi-partisan support in the Senate and was endorsed by district attorneys and crime victims’ advocates across the State,” Senator Larkin said.  “Let’s send the Assembly a clear message that New Yorkers want to expand the DNA databank to help solve even more crimes and keep dangerous criminals off the streets.”