Albany, NY – Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday threw his support behind a proposed law that would allow law enforcement authorities to take DNA samples from anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The current law in New York requires that DNA be collected from people convicted of less than half of all the penal law offenses now on the books, Mr. Cuomo said in a letter to the leaders of the two legislative chambers in the State Capitol. However, he argued, science is moving faster than law as DNA has become increasingly important not only for tying criminals to crimes, but also for ruling out suspects.
The last scheduled day of the legislative session is Monday, though lawmakers could wrap up earlier, perhaps by the end of this week.
A spokesman for Mr. Silver said the speaker’s office was reviewing the letter. “We look forward to having substantive conversations with the governor,” said the spokesman, Michael Whyland. “We’re taking it seriously.”