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Sponsor Statement for SB 99
DNA Registration of Burglars

An Act relating to the DNA identification registration system.

In 1995, Alaska passed House Bill 27, establishing a DNA database as a tool to help the law enforcement community identify perpetrators of violent crimes, especially sexual offenders. Senate Bill 99 will expand the database to include samples from convicted burglars.

DNA evidence has proven to be very effective for identifying, capturing and convicting repeat criminals. All 50 states have laws requiring DNA testing of convicted sex offenders, and sharing information with other states has helped Alaska make convictions on cases that have not been solved for years.

Alaska's current statute requires testing of anyone convicted of a felony against a person. During debate on the original legislation, there was discussion of including burglary. At the time, there were no definitive studies showing a connection between burglary and consequent violent offenses, so House Bill 27 did not require testing for burglars.

As the databases expanded, statistics have shown there is a relationship between burglary and violent crimes. A recent Florida study shows that 52% of murderers and sex offenders had a previous burglary conviction. In Virginia, the first state to establish a DNA database, a study showed that more than half of the DNA matches from crime scenes of rapes and murders are from samples of convicted burglars. At this time, 24 states have included convicted burglars in their DNA registries.

By testing convicted burglars, we will allow law enforcement officials to stop a violent criminal the first time, before other innocent people are victimized. I appreciate your support of this legislation.

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