State Statutes Overview
The use of forensic DNA is partially governed by State statutes—laws established by State legislatures. Generally, State statutes determine:
- Who must submit a DNA sample for inclusion in the databases. Learn more about and find State DNA database statutes.
- Who can apply for DNA testing after an offender is convicted and how that process must proceed. Learn more about and find State postconviction statutes.
State-by-State Statutes
The following are three ways to find statutes affecting DNA in a particular State:
DNA.gov State Profiles. Find statutes and other information that affect your State by going to State Profiles and selecting your State on the map or from the list.
Collected Statues for all States. Find summarized State legislation, as provided by the National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology, and Law, a program of the National Institute of Justice.
Search or Contact a State legislature. Find links to a State Legislature's Web site from the National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology, and Law.
