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Wednesday, June 14, 2000
The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.8085), sponsored by Senator Dale Volker (R-C, Depew), to create a DNA Review Committee to assess cases where convictions are set aside as a result of DNA evidence. The newly created body will also analyze the full implications of DNA technology to New York criminal justice system.
�This measure would ensure that justice is truly served,� said Senator Volker, Chair of the Senate Codes Committee. �The results of DNA tests could allow wrongly convicted individuals to regain their freedom. DNA is a proven scientific tool that would strengthen the integrity of New York State�s justice system.�
�In today�s rapidly changing, high tech world, we need to use all the tools at our disposal to ensure that innocent people are not wrongly imprisoned... and that guilty criminals end up behind bars where they belong.� Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. �The creation and empowerment of the DNA Review Subcommittee will ensure that justice is enacted in this state as fairly and accurately as possible.�
The bill would create a DNA Review Subcommittee to the New York State Forensic Science Commission, which would have the responsibility of reviewing cases where a conviction was set aside as a result of DNA evidence. The Subcommittee will have the authority to examine all aspects of the case and determine whether changes in the law or policy are needed to avoid similar situations from occurring in the future. The DNA Review Subcommittee would also have the authority to review, assess and evaluate existing procedures and make advisory recommendations to the Commission.
After reviewing the recommendations, the Forensic Science Commission could then make recommendations to the Governor. The Commission would also be responsible for adopting guidelines for the collection storage and retention of crime scene evidence and the training of law enforcement officials and health care personnel in the collections and preservation of crime scene evidence based on those recommendations.
�It would be simply foolish to ignore the multifaceted benefits of DNA technology,� said Senator Volker. �By adopting this bill into law, we would restore confidence and faith to our legal system. Honesty, accuracy and fairness is what this bill is all about.�
The bill will be sent to Assembly.
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