Senator Scott Sifton’s public safety legislation receives bipartisan approval in Missouri Senate
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri Senate today passed public safety legislation sponsored by Sen. Scott Sifton, D – Affton, that will help law enforcement keep dangerous criminals off the streets by expanding DNA collection of suspects arrested for felonies.
“Dangerous criminals and repeat offenders must be kept off the streets and held accountable,” Sen. Sifton said. “Public safety isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a priority we should all share to protect the families and communities of Missouri. I appreciate the support my bill has received from law enforcement officials and my fellow senators from both parties.”
Under current Missouri law, a person arrested for burglary, sex crimes, murder and certain other felonies must provide a biological sample for DNA profiling analysis. Under Sen. Sifton’s Senate Bill 204, law enforcement would be able to collect a sample from anyone arrested for any felony. This expanded collection will help law enforcement solve cold cases, protect communities from repeat offenders and help exonerate the innocent.
“Seventeen other states have already taken this important step,” Sen. Sifton said. “It is time for Missouri to adopt this vital crime-fighting measure.”
About Sen. Sifton:
Sen. Scott Sifton represents St. Louis County in the Missouri Senate. He was elected to his first four-year term in November 2012. Before winning election to the Senate, he served in the House of Representatives from 2011-2012 and the Affton Board of Education from 2001-2010. He received awards from both the Missouri Bar Association and Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants for his service in the House. In addition to his legislative duties, Sen. Sifton is a partner at the Husch Blackwell law firm.