Connecticut House Bill HB05904

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Requiring The Collection Of A Dna Sample From Persons Arrested For A Felony.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5904 would amend sections 54-102g, 54-102h, and 54-102l of the general statutes related to DNA collection practices. This change would obligate law enforcement to collect DNA samples from all individuals arrested for felony offenses. Such a policy could lead to an increase in the volume of DNA data available for criminal investigations, thereby aiding in the resolution of outstanding cases and preventing recidivism by holding offenders accountable based on biological evidence.

Summary

House Bill 5904, introduced during the January Session of 2011, proposes a significant amendment to the state's criminal justice system by requiring the collection of DNA samples from individuals arrested for felonies. The bill aims to expand existing laws concerning DNA collection, closing loopholes that may exist in the current statutory framework. The underlying principle is to enhance law enforcement's ability to identify and prosecute criminal offenders through biological evidence, thereby potentially improving public safety overall.

Contention

The proposal, however, is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that mandatory DNA collection from individuals merely arrested, rather than convicted, raises significant ethical and privacy concerns. Opponents of the bill may express fears regarding the potential for misuse of DNA data and the implications for civil liberties. Moreover, discussions around the efficacy of such measures in actually preventing crime and their impact on community trust in law enforcement agencies are likely to be prominent in legislative debates surrounding the bill.