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Committee hears support for DNA databank changes, 'identified' sexual‑assault kit category and a chokehold clarification in HB 7259
Summary
Advocates and prosecutors told the Judiciary Committee that adding an "identified" category for sexual‑assault evidence and allowing limited sharing of certain DNA databank matches would help victims and investigations; the inspector general recommended clarifying chokehold rules so third‑party defense is explicitly permitted.
Advocates, prosecutors and the state inspector general told the Judiciary Committee on March 31 that several technical changes in HB 7259 would improve investigations and clarify use‑of‑force rules.
Beth Hamilton, executive director of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, urged the committee to add a third category for sexual‑assault evidence kits: "The alliance strongly supports lines 1 through 98 and HB 7259, which will add the category of identified to the state's options for the collection and processing of forensic evidence and sexual assault crimes." She said the new pathway would let survivors choose to have forensic evidence tested without immediately filing a police report, giving victims time to decide while allowing DNA to assist investigations and link serial offenders.
Lisa D'A…
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