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Senate backs law to collect DNA at booking for certain felony arrests after amendments
Summary
SB 29 authorizes cheek‑swab DNA collection at booking for individuals arrested for serious violent felonies; an amendment narrowed the authority to defined serious violent felonies. The Senate passed the measure 44–11.
The Georgia Senate passed SB 29, authorizing law enforcement to collect DNA samples (cheek swabs) at booking for individuals arrested for specified felonies. Senators adopted two friendly amendments on the floor; the final measure narrows mandatory sampling to arrests for “serious violent felony,” using the state statute’s existing definition.
Sponsor remarks: Senator Williams (Senator Williams, 20th District) said DNA collection at arrest is a widely used forensic tool that can both exonerate the innocent and identify perpetrators. He described several wrongful‑conviction cases nationally that were ultimately resolved by DNA matches and said the cost of a swab kit is small compared with the cost of long wrongful incarceration or long‑term treatment of victims.
Amendments and debate: The floor adopted an amendment to require certified court documentation to purge samples and profiles if charges are dismissed or a person is exonerated. A second amendment changed the threshold from “felony” to “serious violent felony,” aligning the bill with U.S. Supreme Court precedent cited in debate (Maryland v. King, 2013) and many other states’ practice. Supporters cited successful matches and convictions in other states after adoption; opponents raised concerns about privacy and the presumption of innocence. The committee and sponsor said the amendment addresses constitutional concerns and aligns Georgia with case law and practice in many states.
Passage: The bill passed on the floor 44–11. Supporters said implementing safeguards for destruction/purging is essential; opponents urged careful oversight and protections for non‑violent arrestees.
Ending: The bill now proceeds for enrollment and to the governor; senators recommended agency guidance for collection, storage, purging, and access to DNA profiles.
