DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has approved a measure that would require people convicted of certain aggravated misdemeanors to submit DNA samples for a federal databank.
Lawmakers passed the bill Wednesday, 29 to 20. It now goes to Gov. Terry Branstad.
Under the proposal, adults convicted of crimes like aggravated misdemeanor assault and theft would submit a DNA sample. Currently, only convicted felons and sexual offenders must submit samples.
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller supports the bill, saying it would help police solve cases.
Senators rejected an effort by Republican Sen. Mark Chelgren of Ottumwa to amend the bill to require samples from convicted juveniles and people who are in the U.S. illegally and are stopped by police.
Democratic Sen. Herman Quirmbach of Ames opposed the bill, saying it violates privacy rights.
