House Bill 68 Summary

• Requires every person arrested for a violent crime to provide a biological DNA sample upon booking at a jail or detention center, with analysis performed by the Mississippi Crime Lab or designated entity.

• Mandates the Crime Lab maintain DNA samples and records according to federal guidelines; if charges are dismissed or defendant acquitted, the sample and records are retained for identification purposes in the DNA data bank.

• Establishes criminal penalties including misdemeanor charges for unauthorized dissemination of DNA data bank information (up to $500 fine or 30 days jail) and felony charges for unauthorized DNA sample collection (up to $1,000 fine or 2 years in Department of Corrections).

• Amends Section 99-49-1 to require preservation of biological evidence from violent crimes for the period the crime remains unsolved, the defendant remains in custody, or as provided in the DNA collection provisions.

• Takes effect July 1, 2014, contingent upon the Legislature providing sufficient funds for implementation as certified by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.