What's happening
This bill requires that relevant and admissible DNA evidence must be admitted in New York criminal prosecutions.
Why it matters
Strengthens the role of DNA evidence in criminal trials. by making it mandatory for courts to admit relevant and admissible DNA evidence, potentially reducing wrongful convictions or acquittals based on excluded scientific evidence.
Limits judicial discretion over DNA evidence. judges can no longer exclude DNA evidence that is both relevant and meets admissibility standards, potentially ensuring more consistency in how such evidence is treated across New York courts.
Could impact both prosecution and defense strategies. , as both sides can rely on the mandatory inclusion of qualifying DNA evidence, possibly affecting plea negotiations, trial tactics, and appeals.
Aligns legal procedures with advances in forensic science. , highlighting the increased importance and reliability attributed to DNA evidence in the justice system, and potentially influencing public trust in verdicts involving biological evidence.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Courts Allow DNA Evidence
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5713
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 14, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ENGLEBRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to evidence containing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new section 60.77 to read as follows: § 60.77 Rules of evidence; deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
In any prosecution where the court determines that there is relevant admissible evidence containing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), such evidence shall be admitted.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09518-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.