A new law in Iowa that will go into effect July 1, 2014, expands DNA sampling from cases where there is a rational reason for DNA collection (such as crimes with a sexual element and felonies) to include less-serious and nonviolent offenses. These include third-offense simple marijuana possession or third-offense OWI. We think DNA sampling for these crimes is invasive and unnecessary. It's also expensive, diverting critical resources away from more serious cases.

 

The bill goes against Iowa common sense, and we were hopeful until the last day of the 2013 session that lawmakers would decline to move further in this troubling direction. While we understand the value in collecting DNA samples for sex crimes and felonies, that is a different rationale from what is occurring with the expansion of the law. We do not think everyday Iowans support widespread DNA collection of low-level, non-violent offenders.
 
The rationale sometimes provided--that it will help solve more cases-- is absurd when applied to these lower-level crimes.  Using that rationale, the state could collect DNA from everyone at birth and store it long after their deaths. The government's interest in solving crimes must be balanced with the people's fundamental freedoms. This is an unjustified overstep.
 
The expansion of DNA sampling to lower-level offenses will require doubling of state resources currently expended on DNA testing. Each of these DNA kits cost money, about $30 per person. On top of that, there will be additional expenses in keeping DNA, storing it properly, doing analysis and comparisons of the DNA, etc.
 
DNA contains the most intimate, private information about us.  The government simply does not have a right to taking that information from us without an extremely good reason. We don't think the type of nonviolent, nonsexual, low-level crimes included in the new law are a good enough reason.
 
Click here to read more about the disheartening  2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on DNA testing in criminal cases.

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