HB 2468-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that DNA data bases are important tools in criminal investigations, in the exclusion of individuals who are the subject of investigations or prosecutions, and in detecting recidivist acts.

     Declares it is the policy of this state to assist federal, state, and local criminal justice and law enforcement agencies in both the identification and detection of individuals in criminal investigations and the identification and location of missing and unidentified persons.

     Finds that it is in the best interest of the state to establish a DNA data base and DNA data bank containing DNA samples submitted by persons convicted of felony offenses and DNA samples necessary for the identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains.

     Finds that the DNA identification system used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Washington state patrol has no ability to predict genetic disease or predisposal to illness.  Nonetheless, the legislature intends that biological samples collected under RCW 43.43.754, and DNA identification data obtained from the samples, be used only for purposes related to criminal investigation, identification of human remains or missing persons, or improving the operation of the system authorized under RCW 43.43.752 through 43.43.758.

     Provides that every sentence imposed under chapter 9.94A RCW, for a felony specified in RCW 43.43.754 that is committed on or after the effective date of this act, must include a fee of one hundred dollars for collection of a biological sample as required under RCW 43.43.754, unless the court finds that imposing the fee would result in undue hardship on the offender.