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New law expands DNA sample collection for law enforcement

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Governor Rick Snyder has signed laws expanding the collection of DNA samples to include people arrested on suspicion of any felony charge. 

Michigan already requires DNA swabs from those arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and other violent felonies.

Snyder said Monday that collecting more samples will help identify suspects earlier in investigations and improve public safety.

A divided U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 cleared the way for police to take a DNA swab from anyone arrested for a serious crime.

The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that authorities collect roughly 3,000 DNA samples from felony suspects every year in Michigan. That number could quadruple under the laws signed by Snyder.

The DNA requirement will take effect July 1.