A New Hampshire bill would expand the state's offender DNA database to include most violent felons, and a Hawaii resolution asks for a study of creating an all-felons database. The Arizona Senate has unanimously approved a bill to take DNA from all convicted felons, and database expansion measures in North Dakota and Pennsylvania are advancing. Articles in New York and California argued in favor of expanded DNA databases. The International Association of Police Chiefs is advocating for DNA collection from arrestees.

A cold hit in Wisconsin's database has led to an arrest based on a “John Doe” warrant. Cold hits were also made from DNA databases in New York, Ohio, and Oregon. Charges against a Michigan man were dropped after DNA proved he was not the perpetrator.

New post conviction DNA testing bills have been introduced in Missouri and Nevada. A bill in New Mexico has been signed by the Governor, and a South Dakota bill has been vetoed. Bills in Arkansas, Idaho, and Maryland continue to progress through the legislature. A Florida County's sheriff is requesting post conviction testing for certain cases, and Kansas authorities are offering to pay for testing for an inmate. A Capitol Hill newspaper spotlighted the Federal “Innocence Protection Act” proposal.

In Scotland, the largest police force will begin taking DNA samples from all arrestees.

About This Report:

Tim Schellberg and Lisa Hurst of Smith Alling Lane, P.S. provide nationwide governmental affair services to Applied Biosystems. As part of the firm’s representation weekly reports are generated which identify recent state and federal legislation and news articles. Applied Biosystems has authorized Smith Alling Lane to make these reports available to anyone that requests them through this web site.

The information presented in these reports does not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Applied Biosystems, Smith Alling Lane, P.S., or The Forensic Panel.

The March 23, 2001 DNA legislative and media summary has been posted on the Internet at the link at the bottom of this article. Archived summaries may also be obtained at this site. Use the link below to get the complete report.