(JUNEAU) - Legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Anderson (R-Anchorage), was signed into law this morning by Governor Frank Murkowski. HB 124 pertains to the use of reasonable force to collect DNA.

Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner William Tandeske was on hand for the event to support Representative Anderson's efforts regarding DNA enforcement in Alaska. The Commissioner spoke briefly about HB 124's impact on his Department and concluded by saying, "The Department would like to thank Representative Anderson for all of his hard work on this bill and his previous DNA bill, HB 49 which expanded the DNA database. Both of these pieces of legislation have had significant impacts on law enforcement in Alaska."

When asked whether or not collecting a DNA sample would be painful Gov. Murkowski was quick to ease concerns "I know from experience that this is a very simple and painless procedure. It's just a quick swab along the gum line and you're done."

Representative Anderson thanked the Governor for his support stating, "I appreciate the assistance the Governor has provided on HB 124. I have always been a supporter of Alaska's Peace Officers and I am proud to be able to assist them in any way I can. DNA evidence is an important tool in the prosecution of some of the more horrific crimes a person can commit and HB 124 makes sure that tool is available to Alaskan law enforcement personnel."

HB 124 was passed out of both the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska State Senate unanimously.

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