Bill > SB0140

This bill modifies Utah's laws regarding DNA specimen collection by law enforcement, primarily focusing on when and how DNA can be collected during the booking process and what happens to those specimens afterward. The bill specifies that when a sheriff books a person for certain offenses, they must obtain a DNA specimen, unless the bureau already has a specimen for that person. The person booked will be required to pay a $150 fee if they are convicted of a class A misdemeanor or felony offense, with up to $25 of that fee retained by the collecting agency to cover specimen collection costs. The bill clarifies that DNA specimens cannot be processed immediately and must wait until certain legal conditions are met, such as a preliminary hearing, waiver of hearing, grand jury indictment, or after sixty days of an outstanding arrest warrant. The legislation also establishes detailed procedures for how DNA specimens are stored, analyzed, and potentially destroyed, including provisions for individuals to request destruction of their DNA specimen if charges are dismissed or they are acquitted. Additionally, the bill creates strict penalties for unauthorized disclosure or misuse of DNA information, with violations potentially resulting in third-degree felony or class B misdemeanor charges. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0140.html