House passes amendment to strengthen Illinois' DNA database

[April 09, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House passed a bill Thursday to strengthen the state's DNA database. House Bill 3238 requires all registered sex offenders to provide a DNA specimen and calls for collecting DNA of people arrested for the most serious violent crimes after they are indicted or after a court finding of probable cause.

In a news release Friday, Attorney General Lisa Madigan applauded the House action.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Susana Mendoza, D-Chicago, who worked closely with Madigan's office.

"This bill will make the state's DNA database an even stronger tool for law enforcement in solving violent crimes, while also helping to exonerate those who are wrongfully convicted," Madigan said.

Mendoza has been a leader on this issue over the course of her career in the Statehouse.

"DNA is the fingerprint of the 21st century and has proven to be an instrumental tool in convicting the guilty and exonerating the innocent. This legislation is a huge step forward for Illinois in helping our state protect society from serial rapists, murderers and sex offenders," Mendoza said.

Approved in the House on Thursday by a vote of 99-9-2, the legislation is now in the Senate, where it is being sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago.

"This legislation will assist law enforcement in their efforts to pursue justice in the most serious of crimes," Raoul said. "Equally as important, it also provides individuals who have been wrongfully accused a clearer path towards being cleared."

According to the bill, all sex offenders who are required to register with local law enforcement must provide a DNA specimen -- regardless of their conviction date or the state in which the offender was convicted. The bill also calls for collecting DNA when someone is indicted or there is a finding of probable cause in the following violent crimes:

• First-degree murder

• Home invasion

• Predatory criminal sexual assault

• Aggravated criminal sexual assault

• Criminal sexual assault

In addition, the legislation would authorize the Illinois State Police to expunge a DNA profile upon court order.

Attorney General Madigan has long been committed to improving the state's DNA database. In 2008, she created the Illinois DNA Accountability Project to undertake a first-of-its-kind assessment of the state DNA database to identify gaps in the system. The new legislation is one result of that initiative.

[Text from file received from the office Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan]