An Oklahoma lawmaker says she plans to file legislation to require persons arrested on felony charges to provide DNA samples.
Defendants convicted of certain crimes are already required to provide DNA samples to law enforcement to determine if they can be linked to unsolved crimes.
Republican state Rep. Lee Denney of Cushing said Tuesday she wants authorities to secure DNA samples earlier in the criminal justice process — even before charges are filed.
Democratic Rep. Jerry McPeak of Warner says he believes the proposal goes too far. McPeak says he favors obtaining DNA samples after a judge rules there is probable cause that a defendant committed a crime and orders the defendant to trial.
The lawmakers' comments came after the House Public Safety Committee discussed expanding the state's DNA database.
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