HB 679 Summary

• Requires all persons 18 years or older arrested for felony crimes against the person to provide a DNA biological sample upon jail booking, contingent on fund availability.

• DNA analysis shall be performed by the Mississippi Crime Lab or entity designated by the Department of Public Safety, with results maintained according to federal guidelines.

• Establishes penalties for unauthorized dissemination or misuse of DNA data bank information: up to $500 fine or 30 days jail for unauthorized dissemination; up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail for knowing misuse; and up to $1,000 fine or 2 years in Department of Corrections for obtaining samples without authority.

• Amends Mississippi Code Section 99-49-1 to require the state to preserve biological evidence for crimes as long as the crime remains unsolved, the convicted person remains in custody, or as provided in the new DNA collection statute.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013.