Sen. Nichols Wins Passage
of Bill to Expand DNA Database
Expanding the Oklahoma State Bureau
of Investigation’s (OSBI) DNA database could
help solve some of the most horrific crimes committed—that’s
according to State Sen.
Jonathan Nichols, author of Senate Bill 1102.
The measure would add a number of misdemeanor
crimes to the felony crimes already on the books
which can result in the harvesting of DNA samples.
The measure was approved by the full Senate Appropriations
Committee on Wednesday.
“We’re talking about people who have
been charged and convicted of misdemeanor criminal
acts like peeping toms,” said Nichols, R-Norman.
“We know for a fact that cold cases are
often solved through DNA, and the perpetrator’s
DNA may be in the system because of an entirely
unrelated crime.”
Nichols, a former prosecutor, reminded the committee
that was exactly how the 1996 murder of University
of Oklahoma ballet student Julie Buskin was ultimately
solved.
“This gives us an even greater opportunity
to capture and punish individuals responsible
for some of the most heinous crimes imaginable.”
Nichols stressed that unlike other proposed legislation
requiring DNA collection upon arrest, under SB
1102, only those convicted would be required to
submit a DNA sample. His measure would include
those convicted of misdemeanor crimes such as
outraging public decency; resisting arrest; escape
or attempting to escape; eluding a police officer;
peeping tom; pointing a firearm; unlawfully carrying
or discharging of a weapon; illegal transporting;
negligent homicide; causing a personal accident
while driving under the influence; unlawful discharge
of a weapon; destruction of property or threatening
an act of violence.
“Those convicted of such crimes will have
already submitted to fingerprinting, this simply
adds the collection of a DNA sample,” Nichols
said. “This in no way intrudes on the lives
of law-abiding citizens, and it will help us do
a better job of protecting innocent Oklahomans.”
For more information contact:
Sen. Nichols' Office: 405-521-5535