In addition to taking a mugshot and a fingerprint, police may be collecting DNA samples from those accused of a felony at the time of booking under a bill that passed the Senate Thursday. HB212 needs only the governor’s signature to become law.
Senate sponsor Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said the DNA would not be processed until after probable cause is established by way of a preliminary hearing, which makes Utah’s collection of DNA sampling unique.
The bill sidestepped some concerns of privacy violation because forensic specialists explained that a DNA sample doesn’t expose personal medical information, such as predisposition to disease.
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