WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — State legislators introduced a bill that would require the Department of Corrections to collect DNA samples from all incarcerated inmates who haven’t already provided one in an effort to close cold cases, bringing closure to families.
The Republican state officials, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia and Rep. Tom Fabricio, filed S.B. 524 and H.B. 533, respectively, dubbed the “DNA Samples from Inmates” bill. Both legislators offered a comment in the news release distributed Monday.
“Capturing these DNA samples will allow law enforcement to potentially close decades-long cold cases and bring the families much needed closure they deserve,” Ingoglia said. “Victims have rights, too, and that includes the right to know who committed atrocious crimes against their loved ones.”
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If enacted, the law would require each inmate to provide their DNA sample no later than Sept. 30, 2024, the documents show.
“This bill will close a loophole in the law and will allow us to obtain DNA evidence from all persons incarcerated in Florida state prisons so that our backlog of cases can be closed, which will bring finality and closure to many Florida families,” Fabricio said.
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