Legislators want DNA from felon arrestees

A bipartisan group of legislators wants police departments to collect and store DNA samples from anyone arrested for felonies, including rape and murder.

This bill is about saving lives and exonerating the innocent, said Jayann Sepich, whose daughter Katie was raped and murdered in 2003. Sadly, we know what happens when states dont pass this. Lives are lost.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point,also has support from Sen. Bill Ingebrigsten, R-Alexandria and Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato. Ruud said Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, is expected to introduce the bill in the House.

Sepich founded DNA Saves, a groupasking states across the country to adopt DNA testing of people who have been arrested.

Sepich said her daughters murder would have been solved in three months not three years if DNA had been taken during other arrests.

A 2005 bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature included money to require DNA samples from people arrested for a felony.

But in 2006, the Minnesota Court of Appeals struck down the law on the ground that it violated the Fourth Amendment unreasonable search and seizure. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled DNA collected from people arrested for felonies doesnt violate the Constitution.

Ruud said Minnesota shouldjoin 28 states that already have similar bills on the books.

Ten years ago, we werent ready and the science wasnt ready, Ruud said. We think its time Minnesota come on board with the rest of the states because its met Constitutional challenges.

Sepich said privacy concerns aboutDNA being collected and stored are unfounded because the data doesnt reveal personal information.

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Legislators want DNA from felon arrestees