HB 1072 Summary

• Establishes a State DNA Database managed by the Mississippi Crime Laboratory to store DNA profiles and records for inclusion in the federal CODIS system.

• Requires law enforcement to collect DNA samples via cheek swab from persons arrested for felonies (with warrant immediately, without warrant after probable cause determination) and from convicted offenders for specified crimes including felonies, sexual offenses, crimes against children, and stalking offenses.

• Allows persons to petition for destruction of their biological specimen and purging of DNA records if conviction is reversed and dismissed, charges are dismissed, diversion completed, or no felony charges filed within 3 years of arrest.

• Imposes $150 fee on convicted persons for DNA testing costs, collected by county courts and deposited into county genetic marker analysis funds to cover specimen collection and laboratory expenses.

• Permits inmates to petition courts for post-conviction DNA testing of evidence, with results potentially supporting new trial motions, and requires courts to preserve biological evidence from felony convictions during incarceration or custody periods.