A proposal to require anyone arrested for a violent crime to submit a DNA sample to authorities is winning support in the Rhode Island General Assembly.
The Senate endorsed the measure Tuesday. Similar legislation is already pending in the House.
The legislation would give authorities the power to demand DNA samples from anyone arrested for murder, rape, kidnapping and other violent crimes — before they’re convicted in a court. The samples would be deleted from the state’s records if charges are dropped or the individual is found not guilty.
Twenty-four states already have similar laws.
Current state law requires DNA samples from anyone convicted of a felony.
Supporters say expanding the law to cover those arrested for violent offenses would help law enforcement link suspects to unsolved crimes.