The House Judiciary Committee on July 26 approved, by voice vote, a bill (H.R. 4640) that would help eliminate a backlog of DNA samples waiting to be analyzed in criminal cases.
Sponsored by Rep. Bill McCollum (R-FL), the bill would authorize funding for states to reduce the backlog of DNA samples to be analyzed and help states expand services, including providing more crime scene DNA tests. Additionally, the bill would authorize funding to compile the information gathered and enter it into the FBI’s database of sex offenders and murderers.
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) offered support for the bill, calling it a “significant improvement over earlier bills…effectively aiding law enforcement.” Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) also went on record supporting the bill, stating that it would go “a long way for bringing justice to women who are victims of rape,” noting the backlog of “16,000 rape kits in Queens that could be used to solve crimes.”
Rep. McCollum offered an amendment aimed at allaying Department of Justice and law enforcement concerns. The amendment would increase grant funds for two key purposes: first, to reduce the backlog of DNA samples across the country; and second, to help states expand DNA analysis in criminal cases. The amendment also would mandate the collection of DNA samples not only in violent crime cases, but also in burglaries. Rep. McCollum cited the high incidence of offenders who are convicted on burglary charges prior to committing sex offenses.
Rep. Scott offered an amendment to allow the District of Columbia the discretion to decide which criminal offenses would require DNA testing. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. Rep. Bob Barr (R-GA) offered an amendment to limit the use of DNA samples to judicial proceedings, defendants’ criminal cases, and the compilation of the national database. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
