By Hector Flores
The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. George Pataki on June 23, also eliminates the statute of limitations for rape crimes, and creates the office of Medicaid Inspector General to combat Medicaid fraud and abuse.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat of Manhattan, said, "This bill provides law enforcement with the tools they need to solve crimes."
Under the legislation, the state DNA database would grow to include DNA samples from individuals convicted of felonies and 18 specific misdemeanors, which include those involving violence, threats of violence, menacing or stalking, petit larceny and offenses against children.
Assembly member David McDonough, a Republican of Merrick, added that a provision in the law also eliminates the statute of limitations on first-degree convictions of rape, criminal sexual act (formerly called sodomy), aggravated sexual abuse and sexual conduct against a child.
"For the past two years, I have introduced legislation that would have eliminated the statute of limitation for the crime of rape," McDonough said. "I am pleased that the Legislature has finally recognized the need for this vital legislation. The expansion of the state DNA databank furthers the crime-solving capabilities of the law enforcement officials across the state by utilizing the 21st century version of fingerprinting."
Assembly member Tom McKevitt, a Republican of East Meadow, said that the new law will help law enforcement officials keep better tabs on criminals and give victims true justice.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, who called on state officials to pass an "all-crimes DNA bill," referred to the passage of the DNA databank bill as a "step in the right direction."
Eric Phillips, a spokesman for Rice, said, "The DA is thrilled but hopes that it is merely a first step to an all-crimes DNA bill. The current bill increases the amount of misdemeanors and felonies that will be included in the DNA databank, but it does not include all crimes."
Comments about this story? HFlores@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
