ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall have introduced Senate legislation aimed at expanding efforts to collect DNA from serious criminal offenders.
The measure is called Katie's Law, named for a New Mexico State University student from Carlsbad, Katie Sepich, who was raped and murdered in 2003. Her killer was caught after submitting a DNA sample when he was convicted of a later burglary.
The measure would encourage states that don't have DNA collection processes to implement them and, in states that do have the programs, expand and improve the DNA collection process.
The bill will be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
House legislation, sponsored by Rep. Harry Teague, was approved earlier this year.
Bingaman, Udall and Teague are New Mexico Democrats.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
