John Defrancisco And Dale Volker Laud Jeff Klein For Calling For Passage Of DNA Arrest Legistlation Passed By Republicans Last Year
October 13, 2009
(Long Island N.Y.)- New York State Senators John DeFrancisco and Dale Volker today lauded Senator Jeff Klein’s call for passage of legislation to require the collection of DNA samples upon an individual’s arrest. A bill (S6726A) to accomplish that goal, the Senators noted, was brought to the floor by Republicans and passed the State Senate last year.
Despite the support of law enforcement officials across the State, the bill died in the Democrat-controlled Assembly.
“I am pleased to see that Senator Klein supports our bill and urge him to demand that his Democrat colleagues in the Senate and Assembly quickly come on board so we can expand the DNA database and better protect the public,” Senator DeFrancisco said.
Under current law, only persons convicted of a designated offense must provide a sample for the State’s DNA databank. This bill would ensure that law enforcement officials can collect DNA samples from “designated offenders” upon their arrest. The bill would also expand the definition of “designated offender” to include anyone who is arrested of an offense where fingerprints are required to be taken, adjudicated as a youthful offender or compelled to register as a sex offender.
In addition, this legislation would establish procedures for collecting DNA samples, penalties for “designated offenders” who fail to provide a DNA sample and rules and procedures for obtaining DNA samples. In addition, it would require a DNA analysis sample to be forwarded to a forensic DNA laboratory for testing and analysis and require such a sample to be included in the State DNA identification index.
“Expansion of the State’s DNA database to require those arrested rather than just those convicted will provide law enforcement with yet another tool to solve more crimes, especially those crimes involving repeat and serial offenders who belong behind bars,” said Senator Volker, the long-time Chairman of the Senate Codes committee.
With great fanfare, Senator Klein today joined John Walsh, the host of the Fox Television Network’s show “America’s Most Wanted” to call for the GOP legislation mandating DNA collection at the time of arrest.
Under new Senate rules passed in July, a bill can be released from committee and move straight to the floor for an up-or-down vote if three-fifths of the chamber’s members (38 Senators) sign a petition calling for action.
Senator DeFrancisco has reintroduced the DNA arrest bill this year as S4308.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Politics
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