Indiana lawmakers to consider DNA testing felony arrestees

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An Indiana legislative study panel heard testimony from a national advocate for DNA sampling who is urging them to expand testing to any person arrested for a felony.

Jayann Sepich co-founded nonprofit DNA Saves after her daughter was killed to educate lawmakers and the public about the value of forensic DNA testing. She said her family learned police in her home state of New Mexico at the time were limited in testing those convicted of a violent felony while trying to identify the killer.

In Indiana, the panel is deciding whether to recommend that state lawmakers take up the issue. Sepich told the panel on Tuesday that DNA sampling helps identify criminals and prevent crimes.

The Indianapolis Star reported that a similar proposal failed to advance in the Legislature this year.

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