Connecticut House Bill HB05605

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Requiring Dna Testing Of Any Person Arrested For The Commission Of A Serious Felony.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05605 would represent a significant shift in the approach to DNA testing in the criminal justice system. By requiring DNA testing for all individuals arrested for serious felonies, the bill could facilitate a more systematic collection of genetic data that may help solve cold cases and prevent wrongful convictions. However, this measure raises questions about privacy rights and the ethical implications of collecting DNA from individuals who have not yet been convicted of a crime, thus creating potential legal challenges regarding the presumption of innocence.

Summary

House Bill 05605, introduced by Rep. Hewett, mandates that individuals arrested for serious felonies must undergo DNA testing regardless of any prior felony convictions. The bill's primary aim is to enhance law enforcement's capacity to identify and apprehend perpetrators of serious crimes by ensuring that DNA samples are collected from all relevant suspects. This provision is intended to improve the accuracy of criminal investigations and potentially exonerate innocent individuals by providing clear evidence linked to serious criminal activities.

Contention

The bill may face opposition from civil liberties advocates who argue that mandating DNA testing for all those arrested could infringe on individual rights and lead to the unjust treatment of suspects, especially in cases where charges are ultimately dropped. Critics may also express concerns about the potential misuse of such information, emphasizing the need for strict regulations governing the storage and use of DNA data. The discussions surrounding HB 05605 will likely center on balancing effective law enforcement with protecting citizens' rights and ensuring due process.