Offender DNA database expansion bills are moving forward in Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.

“Cold hits” were instrumental in solving crimes in Wisconsin, New York and California. A Texas crime could have been averted if not for the state's large backlog. In England, a man arrested for stealing tea bags was tied to the rape of two young girls after routine DNA testing.

The New Jersey Senate has introduced legislation to allow for “John Doe” indictments based on DNA profiles.

The Florida Supreme Court may still approve post conviction DNA testing rules that would supersede a bill recently enacted by the legislature. The New York Attorney General is promoting the need for federal legislation for greater access to post conviction DNA testing

The US Senate held a public hearing on the need to fully fund the National Forensic Science Improvement Act. State funding for a Michigan crime lab may be reduced, and a crime lab in San Mateo (CA) may receive funding this year. An Oklahoma measure to assess an additional fee to pay for crime lab improvements is progressing. The lack of funding for forensic work in Iowa appears to be reaching a crisis point.

England's Parliament has enacted new DNA laws to allow police to keep DNA samples from suspects and volunteers indefinitely; and frontline police are cooperating with an elimination database in greater numbers than originally reported. Malaysia will be establishing a DNA database. Canada is beginning to have some successes from its new DNA database, but needs greater participation from certain provinces.

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.

This 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.

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