Monday, April 27, 2009

Senate Passes DNA Bill

A bill that would allow law enforcement agencies to collect a DNA sample from every person arrested in Colorado cleared the Senate today.

SB 241, sponsored by Sen. John P. Morse, D-Colorado Springs, was approved on a 28-7 vote.

Critics have argued that the bill is unconstitutional because it applies to people arrested, but not necessarily charged with or convicted of a crime.

Defenders say that people arrested but not charged can request deletion of the sample from the database the proposal would create.

Opponents included both Democrats and Republicans.