Fallin signs bill requiring DNA samples after felony arrests
Ponca City Now - April 27, 2016 10:04 am
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A bill to require any Oklahoman arrested for a felony crime to submit their DNA has been signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin.
The bill prompted privacy concerns from both Republican and Democratic opponents. It is one of 42 bills signed into law by Fallin on Tuesday.
All states require DNA from people convicted of certain felonies, but the bill by Republican Rep. Lee Denney of Cushing would extend that to those arrested on felony charges before they’re brought to trial. Under the bill, if charges are dismissed the DNA sample is to be destroyed.
The new law will take effect Nov. 1.
Fallin has signed more than 200 bills so far this year and vetoed one.
