Bill > HB0341

This bill amends Tennessee's DNA collection laws to strengthen and clarify requirements for obtaining biological specimens from convicted offenders. The legislation mandates that biological specimens must be gathered within 30 days of sentencing, or before completion of a person's incarceration if their term is less than 30 days. If a person convicted of a felony or applicable misdemeanor has not yet provided a DNA sample, the commissioner of correction or local jail administrator must order the collection of the specimen, which will then be forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for maintenance. Additionally, the bill allows law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Correction, to submit biological specimens from deceased offenders who were previously convicted of qualifying offenses, even if the conviction occurred in the past. This means that if an offender dies while incarcerated and has not previously submitted a DNA sample, the law enforcement agency must submit their specimen to the TBI for storage and potential future analysis. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the aim of improving criminal forensic capabilities and potentially aiding in future investigations.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0341&ga=114