Wyo. lawmakers reject DNA samples from arrestees

POSTED: 11:11 AM MST Jan 29, 2013 
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -

Wyoming lawmakers have rejected a proposal to take DNA samples from suspects arrested or charged with serious crimes.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that the House Judiciary Committee voted against the Katie's Law bill from Democratic Rep. Ken Esquibel of Cheyenne Monday.

Such bills have been considered by legislatures across the country. They're named for a New Mexico woman who was raped and murdered in 2003. That state didn't collect DNA from arrestees at the time so her killer wasn't identified when he was arrested that same year for unrelated crimes.

People convicted of felony charges in Wyoming currently must submit DNA samples. The American Civil Liberties Union and other lawmakers argued that expanding sampling could infringe on the rights of people who are accused of crimes but not convicted.

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Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com

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