Bill would require DNA collection for felony arrests in Indiana

Indiana could join a growing number of states that collect DNA from people arrested for felonies instead of waiting for a conviction.

At least 30 states and the federal government already have laws allowing the analysis of DNA samples collected from persons who are arrested or charged with certain crimes, said state Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem), a sponsor of similar legislation.

The Southern Indiana legislator said she intends to introduce such a bill in the 2017 legislative session, co-sponsored by Sens.Jack Sandlin and Jim Merritt, both Republicans from Indianapolis. Companion legislation will be filed in the House by state Rep. Patrick Bauer, (D-South Bend) and state Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon)

The flood of states that have enacted such laws is recent, following a June 3, 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, in Maryland v. King, that a state law permitting collection of DNA from individuals who are arrested does not violate the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

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