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DNA Crime technology has transformed the criminal justice system. Statutes in all states today require that DNA samples of certain convicted offenders be included in a state database and in many states, all felons are required to provide such samples. Other state laws address statutes of limitations on crimes or post-conviction motions based on the availability of DNA evidence.
 NCSL's Legislative Summit 2008: DNA continues to transform criminal justice systems, while tapping its full potential remains a challenge in many states. Funding under the President's DNA Initiative assists states in improving crime lab operations and capabilities even as states continue to expand DNA collection to new categories of offenders, refine post-conviction remedies and adjust statues of limitations related to DNA evidence.
The "Fighting Crime with DNA" Issue Forum was planned and convened in partnership with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It highlighted the progress of DNA in criminal justice systems and addressed capacity, quality and funding issues associated with up-to-date forensic analysis. The panel of 5 experts included Mike Sheppo, Chief, Investigative and Forensic Sciences Division of NIJ, John Roman of the Urban Institute, Peter Marone, Director of the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences, Thomas MacLellan with the National Governor's Association and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey of Tennessee.
Legislators and staff learned about the federal resources available for State and localities to perform continued DNA and other forensic analysis to ensure the technology keeps pace with future demands. The experts further highlighted effective public safety results when property offenders are included in DNA sampling and databases. The session demonstrated that states can continue to build capacity to fulfill the promise, demand and costs of DNA as a crime-fighting and justice-serving tool. To listen to the audio of this forum, click here
Enactments
DNA Crime - Legislation Enacted in 2007 (February 2008)
NCSL
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