OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Anyone arrested for a felony crime and even certain misdemeanors would be forced to submit a DNA sample under a bill being considered in the Oklahoma Legislature.
A Senate committee is scheduled to hear the bill by Republican Sen. Clark Jolley of Edmond on Thursday.
The bill would require anyone arrested on a felony complaint to submit a DNA sample, even if charges aren't filed. The bill also applies to misdemeanor arrests for certain crimes, including drug possession, assault and battery and domestic abuse.
Under current law, a conviction is required before a DNA sample can be taken.
The Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is opposed to the measure, describing it as an "attempt to build a database with the DNA of innocent Oklahomans."
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