February 21, 2013

Anyone arrested for a felony crime and even certain misdemeanors would be forced to submit a DNA sample under a bill being considered in the Oklahoma Legislature.

A Senate committee is scheduled to hear the bill by Republican Sen. Clark Jolley of Edmond on Thursday.

The bill would require anyone arrested on a felony complaint to submit a DNA sample, even if charges aren't filed. The bill also applies to misdemeanor arrests for certain crimes, including drug possession, assault and battery and domestic abuse.

Under current law, a conviction is required before a DNA sample can be taken.

The Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is opposed to the measure, describing it as an "attempt to build a database with the DNA of innocent Oklahomans."