LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation to expand the collection of DNA samples to include people arrested on suspicion of all felony charges.
State law already requires DNA swabs from people arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and other violent felonies. Bills up for debate Tuesday by a Senate committee would require DNA collection from arrestees suspected of lesser felonies.
Law enforcement says the move would solve more crimes, while civil liberties advocates say collecting DNA before someone is convicted violates the presumption of innocence.
A sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court last week cleared the way for police to take a DNA swab from anyone arrested for a serious crime.
The majority didn't say whether its decision was limited to violent crimes. The dissent said limitation to "serious" crimes wouldn't last.
