March 20, 2008

Maryland DNA Bill Faces Strong Opposition

A measure to expand the collection of DNA samples from people arrested for violent crimes and burglary has run into strong resistance from the NAACP and members of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, who walked out of a House caucus meeting Tuesday in frustration. Opponents are fighting the bill because they say it's too broad and requires DNA collections from innocent people who haven't been convicted of any crimes. Initially the bill, which is one of Gov. Martin O'Malley's priorities this session, would have required that DNA samples be kept by law enforcement, even if people ended up being exonerated. The measure has been amended so that authorities would have to inform someone of the right to expunge the sample, if the charges are dropped or the person is acquitted.

Maryland DNA Bill Runs Into Opposition, Associated Press, March 19, 2008.