S 1767
An Act relative to the expansion of the state DNA database
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to expand the Massachusetts state DNA database by including DNA profiles from individuals convicted of offenses, regardless of whether they were sentenced to state prison. Currently, the database primarily includes DNA from individuals convicted of felonies. The goal is to increase the state’s ability to identify suspects and solve crimes through DNA analysis. This expansion would broaden the scope of genetic information collected and stored by law enforcement.
Key provisions
- Includes DNA profiles from individuals convicted of offenses, not just felonies.
- Expands the types of offenses that trigger DNA collection.
- Allows for the collection of DNA from individuals arrested for certain crimes.
- Clarifies the process for obtaining DNA samples.
- Addresses issues related to DNA storage and maintenance.
- Establishes guidelines for the use of DNA data.
- Requires reporting on the database's effectiveness.
Who is affected
- Individuals convicted of crimes
- Law enforcement agencies
- The Massachusetts criminal justice system
- DNA database administrators
- Potential crime victims
Notable changes
- Broadens the criteria for DNA collection beyond felony convictions.
- May increase the volume of DNA profiles in the state database.
- Could lead to more DNA-based criminal investigations.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Bruce E. Tarr
Cosponsor
Bruce E. Tarr
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Bill S.1767 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the expansion of the state DNA database
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1767) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to expand the state DNA database. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Bruce E. Tarr
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.1767
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/26/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 12/4/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order, see S2798 |
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