This bill was filed in response to a troubling threat to public safety regarding the collection of DNA samples by the criminal justice system. Collection of DNA samples is a tremendous responsibility and is limited to serious crimes. These samples are maintained in a database that can be used to both identify and eliminate suspects in a range of crimes but are especially useful for sexual assaults. Due to administrative challenges and a lack of oversight, as many as 1,500+ samples or more can go uncollected. While some solutions have been implemented at the county level where most collections occur, there is a significant need for state level oversight.

This bill would require an audit of the state crime lab to identify individuals who have failed to submit legally required DNA samples following felony convictions. The state involvement and annual audits will help identify areas of concern in the collection process, and prevent widespread, systematic failures from occurring again. DNA collection is an important tool for maintaining public safety, and we owe it to victims, survivors, and the public to maintain an effective and efficient system.