SD29 - Creation of a DNA Test Data Exchange

  • Published: 1990
  • Author: Joint Subcommittee
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 127 (Regular Session, 1989)

Executive Summary:
Senator Edward M. Holland was the chief patron of Senate Joint Resolution No. 127 as approved by the 1989 Session of the General Assembly. The resolution created a five-member joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of creating a repository to store, maintain and exchange the results of DNA tests conducted in the Commonwealth. The joint subcommittee was specifically requested to consider the following issues: (i) the feasibility of requiring all persons convicted of a felony sex offense or an attempt to commit such an offense to submit to a DNA test; (ii) whether persons currently incarcerated for such offenses should be tested; (iii) the need for creation of a data bank consisting of the results of all DNA tests, to be maintained and administered by the Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratories, Bureau of Forensic Science; (iv) whether adoption of specific procedures governing storage, maintenance and access to the data is necessary to protect the confidentiality of the data; and (v) the costs and funding necessary for implementation and administration of the program. Several of these issues were addressed by other legislation during the 1989 Session. See discussion at DNA Testing in Virginia, infra.

Senators Edward M. Holland and Robert C. Scott were appointed to the joint subcommittee by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee from the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice. The Speaker of the House appointed Delegates C. Hardaway Marks, Warren G. Stambaugh and W. Roscoe Reynolds from the House Committee for Courts of Justice.