Katie's Law clears another hurdle

Miloscia's DNA expansion bill voted out of committee, 6-2

February 18, 2009

Katie's Law, which would expand the state's DNA database by sampling the DNA of those arrested for serious crimes, was voted out of committee Wednesday, clearing another hurdle on its way to the floor of the legislature.

The Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Rep. Chris Hurst (D-Enumclaw) voted 6-2 in favor of Katie's Law (HB 1382), which was originally sponsored by Rep. Mark Miloscia (D-Federal Way).

"Law enforcement needs every tool we can offer in the fight against violent crimes," Rep. Miloscia said. "This bill does just that, and it will prevent the Anthony Dias' of the world from hurting our families."

Dias, who was recently convicted of eight rapes in the Pierce and King County area, would have been caught after the first attack had expanded DNA testing been law in 2005.

This version of Miloscia's bill reduces the list of crimes for which one's DNA can be sampled. Arrest for crimes of a violent or sexual nature will result in a sample being given, as will crimes such as burglary and arson.

Other updates to the original bill make the cost of expanding the DNA database contingent upon federal funds, and create a new penalty for misuse or unauthorized retention of collected DNA samples. The use of the DNA database for any purpose other than testing for identification, prosecution of a criminal offense or identification of human remains or missing persons will be prosecuted as a felony.

This legislation received a boost earlier this month when Jayann Sepich traveled from New Mexico to testify on the bill's behalf. Sepich, whose daughter Katie was murdered in 2003, has become a national advocate for Katie's Law, which has already become law in 15 states.

"That makes me incredibly happy and I applaud everyone's courage for supporting this," Sepich said from Denver, where she was testifying on behalf of passage of Katie's Law there. "I hope the House will be courageous as well and say, 'This is something we need to do this year. There are lives at stake."