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Senator Wintrow introduces bill to require DNA collection for two misdemeanors of sexual battery and domestic violence
Summary
RS 32987 would add two misdemeanors to the list of offenses requiring DNA and thumbprint collection; Senator Wintrow cited research ("34 percent versus 5 percent") to justify broader collection as a deterrent to repeat violent crime. The committee voted to introduce the measure to print.
Senator Wintrow (District 19) introduced RS 32987 on Jan. 21, a proposal to add two misdemeanors—sexual battery and domestic violence—to the list of crimes for which the State may collect DNA samples and thumbprint impressions. She said the proposal seeks to expand collection to misdemeanor-level offenses because her research indicated that sexual offenses intersect with more violent crimes at a rate she summarized as "34 percent versus 5 percent," and she said wider DNA collection could help deter repeat offenders.
Vice Chairman Shippy moved to introduce RS 32987 to print and Senator Ruchti seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. The minutes do not record further debate or a roll-call tally. The measure was introduced to print and will proceed through the legislative drafting and bill-referral process. The minutes do not supply source documentation for the statistic cited by Senator Wintrow; that figure is reported as part of her remarks in committee.
