HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) to strengthen Pennsylvania’s ability to solve crimes and protect communities by expanding the use of DNA evidence has advanced from the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
Senate Bill 912 would expand DNA collection — similar to fingerprinting — to better identify perpetrators, solve cold cases and exonerate the innocent. The bill would:
- Require DNA collection from individuals arrested for serious violent or sexual offenses.
- Close a loophole in state law by requiring DNA samples from individuals convicted of criminal homicide, which is currently classified separately from other felonies.
“Public safety depends on giving law enforcement every reasonable tool to identify repeat offenders and bring closure to victims and families,” Farry said. “Senate Bill 912 is an important step toward protecting our communities and ensuring justice is served in a timely, fair and responsible way.”
Farry has been working with Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran on this legislation after they met with Ashley Spence, a victim advocate for arrestee DNA legislation, who told a chilling but powerful tale of justice delayed. She was raped by a stranger, and her attacker went unidentified for years until California passed arrestee DNA legislation. That measure led directly to the identification of her perpetrator, who was also found to be responsible for several other sexual attacks.
“I applaud Sen. Farry for his leadership in advancing Senate Bill 912 and I am honored to have worked with him on this legislation,” said Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “When this legislation passes, it will provide an invaluable tool to law enforcement, allowing them to identify perpetrators of serious felonies much earlier in the process. Critically, it will also help focus investigations, ensuring we can swiftly clear individuals under suspicion who are not associated with the crime.” The result of Ashley’s story underscores the goal of Senate Bill 912: a successful prosecution of violent crimes and justice for every victim. This is a win for justice.”
“Senate Bill 912 is a critical, commonsense step forward for public safety in Pennsylvania. For too long, we’ve missed the opportunity to collect DNA at the time of arrest. Collecting this DNA – just like we would a fingerprint – will allow law enforcement to identify violent, repeat offenders and even exonerate the innocent,” said Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran. “Our mission in law enforcement is to do the work today to prevent a victim tomorrow; this measure helps us do just that. I commend Sen. Farry for his leadership on this issue and urge the full Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation without delay.”
Expanding DNA collection at the time of arrest for the most serious offenses will strengthen the criminal justice system while maintaining safeguards for civil liberties.
“Thirty-one other states and the federal government already collect DNA at the time of arrest,” Farry said. “By bringing Pennsylvania in line with these standards, we can stop serial offenders before they strike again, bring closure to victims and families, and ensure the innocent are not wrongfully punished.”
Senate Bill 912 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACTS:
Nicole McGerry (Farry)
Manuel Gamiz Jr. (Bucks County District Attorney)
Aaron Clark (Bucks County Sherriff)