Pa. Lawmakers Want To Expand Use Of DNA Testing
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A key state senator is proposing legislation to expand the use of DNA testing by law enforcement in Pennsylvania.
Last week, Philadelphia DA Seth Williams and other members of the Pennsylvania DA's Association came to Harrisburg to lobby for their legislative priorities, including expansion of the pool from which DNA samples may be taken.
"Including samples from offenders upon arrest and allowing law enforcement to compare crime scene DNA to DNA samples of a relative of a potential suspect – known as 'familial' DNA testing."
A spokesman for Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the Senate Republican leader, says Pileggi introduced that legislation this week to reform Pennsylvania's DNA laws.
But while it's supported by prosecutors, the ACLU of Pennsylvania opposes it, saying a DNA test is a search, and that the bill would violate 4th amendment rights to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio
