ATLANTA (February 29, 2016) | On Monday, the Georgia State Senate passed by a vote of 42-4 Senate Bill 77. Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell) sponsored SB 77 to require the collection and analysis of DNA samples from individuals convicted of felonies or those who are indicted for serious offenses.
“My goal is to make local communities and our state safer,” said Sen. Albers. “Safety of our citizens is a top priority and I will do all that I can to ensure we are moving in the right direction to keep serious offenders off our streets.”
SB 77 establishes a timeline and procedure guideline for the DNA collection process. DNA samples may be collected by oral swab or noninvasive procedures. This legislation requires DNA samples from individuals indicted for a “serious offense,” which include serious violent felonies and 12 other criminal offenses. These individuals must provide their DNA as a condition of bail or pretrial release. SB 77 also states that those currently serving a sentence in a detention facility or those who are under probation or parole provide a DNA sample as well. An individual whose DNA has been collected can request an expungement under certain circumstances.
SB 77 will now go to the Georgia House of Representatives.
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For Immediate Release:
January 29, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Ines Owens, Sr. Communications Specialist
Ines.owens@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028