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House approves expansion of state DNA database to include convicted felons; sponsor says program will aid investigations
Summary
The House passed a second-substitute of House Bill 154 to expand Utah—s DNA database to include all convicted felons (and certain juvenile categories), fund initial equipment with a $360,000 appropriation and rely on a $75 fee per convicted offender to sustain the program; backers said the change will help solve cold cases and prevent crime.
The Utah House passed second-substitute House Bill 154 on a 71-0 recorded vote, expanding the state—s DNA database to include all convicted felons and certain juvenile offenders. Sponsor Representative Wei, describing the measure as "a fairly technical bill," said the change is intended to help law enforcement solve crimes and exonerate the innocent.
"Expanding the state DNA database to include all convicted felons would have several benefits," Representative Wei said, listing "more crimes would be solved, more crimes would be prevented, more innocent people would be exonerated" and potential "cost efficiencies" for investigators.…
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