FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The House Judiciary Committee has passed a bill that will require police to take DNA samples when they arrest people on felony charges.
If the measure is approved by the full Legislature, Kentucky would join 25 other states that take DNA samples from felony arrestees.
The vote was unanimous. The measure will proceed to the full House for consideration.
Jefferson Democrat Mary Lou Marzian, who sponsored the bill, said federal grant money would be available to help cover start up costs, which would be between $1.3 and $1.6 million.
She did not offer a figure for the ongoing costs of such a program. About 40,000 people are arrested on felony charges each year in Kentucky.
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider this year the constitutionality of arrestee DNA testing.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Current Conditions
Weather for Lexington, Kentucky
Opinion
Most Commented
powered by Disqus
Enter your number for a chance to win great prizes!
Message and data rates may apply
