Should DNA Testing Be Required for Some Misdemeanor Convictions? New CO Bill Says Yes…
April 30, 2015
A bill that would make it mandatory to collect and test people’s DNA after certain misdemeanor convictions has recently been introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Boasting bipartisan support, this Colorado bill is intended to enhance public safety, as the bills’ sponsors – Rep. Dan Pabon, D-Denver, and Rep. Polly Lawrence, R-Roxborough Park – have noted that:
- Those who are convicted of the misdemeanor offenses listed in this bill are highly likely to commit violent offenses in the future.
- Having DNA records for these offenders could help police solve pending/open cases while possibly even exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted (or accused of) crimes.
What Misdemeanor Offenses Are Included in This Bill?
As the Colorado DNA bill currently sits, its provisions would specifically mandate that people convicted of the following misdemeanor offenses submit DNA samples for testing and storage purposes:
- Child abuse
- Criminal mischief
- Harassment
- Menacing
- Reckless endangerment
- Theft
- Third-degree assault
- Violation of protection orders.
At this time, it’s unclear what agency/institution would be responsible for conducting this DNA testing, as well as overseeing the database that would hold this info. Additionally, information regarding the costs of this bill has yet to be made public.
Opposition to the CO DNA Testing Bill Already Brewing…
Although this Colorado DNA testing bill was only introduced about two weeks ago, there is already some opposition to it, with the most notable opponent currently being the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
In fact, as ACLU Public Policy Director Denise Maes has noted, law enforcement agencies continue to come up with reasons to collect and test people’s DNA, and “the notion the government gets to keep your genetic code in perpetuity is frightening.”
What do you think of this new Colorado bill? Do you support or oppose it? Share your thoughts with us on social media – we want to hear from you!
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