News Release
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2000
 

Greenleaf DNA Bills Clear Judiciary Committee

HARRISBURG --The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved two forensic DNA measures offered by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf. One bill would facilitate use of DNA testing for death row inmates seeking exoneration, and the other would provide for an extended statute of limitations for sexual assault so that perpetrators identified years later through DNA testing can be prosecuted.

"These bills show that DNA evidence should be a two-way street in the justice system. If DNA tests can help to free an innocent person, that's a wonderful use of available technology. If they can be used to prosecute a perpetrator, that's great too," Greenleaf said.

Senate Bill 1495, which is modeled upon laws in Illinois and New York, would provide better access to DNA testing for a condemned inmate seeking exoneration. Under the bill, the death row inmate must make a case that identity was the issue in his or her conviction. The sentencing court would allow the DNA test to be performed if the test is generally recognized in the scientific community and if the result of the test has the potential to produce new evidence relevant to the assertion of innocence.

Senate Bill 1504 would extend the statute of limitations in sexual assault cases when DNA evidence is available. The measure would require the preservation of biological evidence and permit prosecution of rape and other serious sex crimes within a year after a defendant is identified through a DNA match-up. Under current state law, prosecution must begin within five years after the crime was committed. The legislation would allow for up to 12 years.

"Because of the high incidence of recidivism among sex offenders, there is a good chance of linking a rapist to unsolved crimes through a DNA database," Greenleaf said.