California DNA Law Passes

• Voters approved Proposition 69, supported by Schwarzenegger, which will greatly expand the state's DNA database by collecting genetic samples from anyone arrested for a felony, regardless of whether they are convicted or later found innocent.

California voters have approved an expansion of the state's DNA database via a ballot measure that police say keeps better tabs on violent criminals. Civil libertarians say it borders on invasion of privacy. Proposition 69 allows police to take DNA samples from people convicted of any felony, rather than from a list of about 30 offenses designated under current law. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who endorsed the measure, called it one of the most important crime-fighting laws in California history. Police have solved at least 1,000 "cold" cases by matching crime scene evidence such as hair and semen to banked DNA samples taken from 274,000 felons convicted of other crimes. Opponents of Prop. 69, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Black Police Association and the state Democratic Party, say the measure has a dangerous side that takes effect in 2009. At that time, police are to be allowed to take DNA samples from people arrested but not convicted of felonies. ACLU officials say more than 50,000 felony arrests are made in California that do not result in criminal charges. [more] and  [more]]

• Calif. Voters Try to Keep Ballot Straight [more]