Nevada Assembly passes Brianna’s Law

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Seconds after the Assembly narrowly approved a bill Monday requiring DNA to be collected upon booking for a felony arrest, Bridgette Zunino-Denison’s phone buzzed.
It was a text from Jayann Sepich, the mother of Katie Sepich who is the namesake of the federal version of the same law.
“Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!” it read.

Lawmakers to vote on expanding DNA database

MADISON, Wis. —Wisconsin lawmakers are set this week to consider Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to take DNA from anyone arrested for a felony and anyone convicted of any crime.

Oklahoma lawmakers near passage of DNA testing bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Convicted criminals who maintain their innocence would have a way to seek DNA testing to help prove their cases under a bill that is nearing final passage in the Legislature and would eliminate Oklahoma’s dubious distinction as the only state in the nation without such a program.

Governor signs bill expanding DNA collection

DES MOINES — Gov. Terry Branstad signed a pair of bills into law Wednesday that he said will use modern technology to make Iowa safer and state government more efficient.

Notorious Welsh killers may never have been caught under new DNA laws, experts warn

Experts say some of the most appalling murders in Welsh history may not have been solved had new DNA laws been in place at the time

Stiff opposition to ‘Brianna’s Law’ DNA gathering bill during Nevada Assembly testimony

Brianna’s Law, or the DNA sampling of those arrested for felonies, met stiff opposition and demands for changes in the bill during its first hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee Thursday at the Nevada Legislature.
After sailing through the senate with a unanimous vote of approval,SB243 was posed with strong questions about the destruction of the DNA samples for those who are eventually freed or plead to a less charge.

Undocumented Immigrants: Orrin Hatch Wants Your DNA

Hatch has offered an amendment that would require most undocumented immigrants to submit a DNA sample along with other data when applying for legal status through

Expansion of DNA sampling fails in Colo. because of lack of support, time

DENVER — A proposal to expand DNA collection for some misdemeanor convictions in Colorado failed during the last days of the session because one of the sponsors couldn’t get enough support for the measure.

Destruction of six million DNA samples will see loss of key cold case tool

A crucial forensic tool used to solve cold case crimes will soon be lost following the Government’s decision to destroy six million DNA samples.

RI Legislators Push for Criminal DNA Sampling in Violent Crimes

Rhode Island legislators are working to pass Katie’s law, legislation designed to protect victims of violent crime and assist law enforcement officials in identifying violent criminals through the use of DNA testing. Based on laws already passed in twenty-five states, the proposed Rhode Island law supports the establishment of a state DNA database and the mandatory collection of DNA “arrestee” sampling for individuals arrested for felonies and violent crimes.