Bill > S07558

This bill requires law enforcement officers to obtain written consent from a minor's parent, legal guardian, or attorney before collecting a DNA sample from a minor prior to their lawful arrest. The bill defines key terms, including "DNA sample" as any bodily material from which DNA can be extracted, "law enforcement officer" as a public servant authorized to investigate or make arrests, and "minor" as a person under 18 years old. There are two notable exceptions to the consent requirement: first, when a DNA sample is abandoned at a crime scene and not collected from the minor's person, and second, when the minor is alleged to be a victim of a criminal offense. The bill also clarifies that the consent requirement does not prevent DNA collection through other legal means, such as search warrants or court orders. The legislation will go into effect 90 days after becoming law, providing protection for minors' privacy and requiring explicit consent from their guardians before DNA collection by law enforcement.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7558