A bill sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol-Kingsport, requires law enforcement to collect a biological specimen for DNA analysis from individuals arrested for felony offenses. Similar to fingerprints and photographs, DNA can be used to uniquely identify individuals involved in crimes. House Bill 473, would establish procedures for DNA collection and the management of […]
A bill sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol-Kingsport, requires law enforcement to collect a biological specimen for DNA analysis from individuals arrested for felony offenses. Similar to fingerprints and photographs, DNA can be used to uniquely identify individuals involved in crimes.
House Bill 473, would establish procedures for DNA collection and the management of biological samples by law enforcement.
If passed, beginning July 1, 2025, anyone arrested for a felony offense will have a biological specimen collected before being released from custody. The arresting authority will use a buccal swab collection kit to gather the sample, which will then be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for analysis. The DNA information will be securely stored and could aid in criminal investigations.
“Our criminal justice system depends on having a strong forensic infrastructure so that we can increase efficiency and expedite justice for victims,” Crawford said. “This bill will help us solve cold cases but also prevent extremely dangerous individuals from committing more crimes.”
The TBI will establish uniform procedures for DNA collection, and law enforcement agencies must follow these standards. If a defendant is granted bond or recognizance, providing a DNA specimen will be a condition of release.
The bill requires the TBI to destroy DNA samples and related records if charges are dismissed or a defendant is acquitted, provided there are no other pending charges or warrants.
Crawford was inspired to file the bill to honor a Kingsport mother who was sexually assaulted and her 17-year-old son, James Huston, who was stabbed to death in 1997.
At the time, the scene was processed and DNA was collected, but the technology wasn’t readily available.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s office reexamined the case and through genetic DNA testing, were able to indict George Scott Robinson on three counts of first-degree murder in 2024.
“For 27 years, a man got away with murder and rape,” Crawford said. “This legislation provides a critical tool that equips Tennessee’s criminal justice system with the ability to get violent people off our streets.”
All 50 states collect DNA samples from certain people convicted of crimes. At least 27 states collect DNA samples when an individual is arrested for a felony or a subset of felony crimes.
House Bill 473 is expected to be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 12.