Colorado senators unanimously laid down the hammer today, expanding mandatory DNA testing for all violent felons and sexual predators currently serving sentences.
House Bill 1343, by Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, and Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, expands the current DNA testing program to include felons who have been released on parole, probation, or sent to community corrections centers, but are still serving their debt to society.
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The bill only applies to felons convicted of certain violent crimes and sexual crimes.
“The key is to bring in all felons within the Department of Corrections,” Mitchell said. “DNA is the strongest tool we have to convict the guilty and protect the innocent.”
HB 1343 passed last week in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a unanimous vote and also garnered full support in the Appropriations Committee. The measure passed in the House of Representatives by a 58-4 vote.
“This bill taps one of the most powerful tools we have to convict the guilty and protect the innocent,” said Mitchell. “I’ve been proud to sponsor DNA testing of prisoners in the past, and with this with bill, we close the loop and test all convicted felons.”
Also favoring HB 1343 was Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon, of Denver, who noted that further DNA testing can prove innocence of someone who was misidentified or falsely accused of a violent crime.
HB 1343 is written to go into effect on July 1. It would also provided law-enforcement officers to potentially have an opportunity to solve future crimes by repeat offenders, Mitchell said.
“I’m pleased the state Legislature is moving toward DNA testing of all felons to make society safer,” added Mitchell.