Gov. Phil Bryant supports collecting DNA after certain arrests
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said Tuesday that he supports proposals to require collection of DNA from people arrested and charged with violent crimes such as murder.
Bryant said he believes DNA testing will help solve crimes and could exonerate innocent people who are wrongly accused.
Under current Mississippi law, DNA is collected only after someone is convicted. Two similar bills, to allow collection after arrest, are working their way through the legislative process.
“I look forward to signing them just as quickly as they get to our desk,” Bryant said during a news conference in his Capitol office.
House Bill 68 passed the House on Monday, and Senate Bill 2430 passed the Senate Tuesday. The two chambers will swap bills for more work.
Mississippi Link
2/12/14
Magnolia Tribune
