H 2626
An Act permitting familial searching and partial DNA matches in investigating certain unsolved crimes
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow law enforcement in Massachusetts to use familial DNA searching and partial DNA matches when investigating certain unsolved crimes. Familial searching involves comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes to DNA profiles of relatives in a database, with the goal of identifying potential suspects. The bill aims to provide a tool to assist in solving cold cases and other investigations where direct matches are unavailable.
Key provisions
- Allows law enforcement to conduct familial DNA searching.
- Permits the use of partial DNA matches to identify potential suspects.
- Specifies the types of unsolved crimes where familial searching may be utilized.
- Establishes guidelines for the use of DNA information obtained through familial searching.
- Requires adherence to privacy protections and limitations on data collection.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement agencies
- Individuals with relatives in the state's DNA database
- Victims of unsolved crimes and their families
- Potential suspects (relatives of crime scene DNA)
- The general public (through potential impact on crime solving)
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a mechanism for familial DNA searching, which is not currently explicitly authorized in Massachusetts law.
- It may establish guidelines for the scope and limitations of this searching process.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Danielle W. Gregoire
Cosponsors
Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida
Danielle W. Gregoire
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.2626 194th (Current)
An Act permitting familial searching and partial DNA matches in investigating certain unsolved crimes
By Representative Gregoire of Marlborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2626) of Danielle W. Gregoire and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida for legislation to permit familial searching and partial DNA matches in investigating certain unsolved crimes. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Danielle W. Gregoire Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2626
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/24/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/23/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/24/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual |
| 10/30/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
S.2480 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act permitting familial searching and partial DNA matches in investigating certain unsolved crimes
S.1595 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act permitting familial searching and partial DNA matches in investigating certain unsolved crimes
S.1528 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act permitting familial searching and partial DNA matches in investigating certain unsolved crimes
H.1987 194th (Current)
An Act to establish a DNA exception rule for victims of rape
H.2625 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the expansion of the state DNA database
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.