Inmates in California prisons can already request DNA tests of evidence from their cases. But Democratic State Senator Ted Lieu says the process is cumbersome and presents numerous hurdles for prisoners. He's introduced a bill to streamline the process.
One of the changes his bill proposes would allow courts to order that the DNA be run through a federal database.
“Maybe 10 years ago this DNA evidence would not have triggered a hit of any perpetrator," Lieu says. "But now it may. And it may be someone totally different than a person sitting in state prison.”
Additional changes would include lowering the standard inmates have to meet to request a test and extending the amount of time an inmate has to request that evidence from his trial be preserved.
Lieu says over 300 innocent people have been released from prison because of DNA evidence testing, including eight in California.
Related Stories
California Campaign Finance Regulator Resigns Before Election
May 30, 2018Fair Political Practices Commission chairperson Jodi Remke announced Tuesday that she will step down on Friday. It follows months of acrimony with other commissioners.
California Senator Tony Mendoza Resigns After Sexual Harassment Investigation, But Says He'll Run For Re-Election
February 22, 2018His resignation followed an outside investigation, which found that Mendoza likely engaged in "flirtatious or sexually suggestive" behavior with six different women, including former staffers and fellows. The allegations date back to 2007.
Report: California Senator Tony Mendoza ‘More Likely Than Not’ Made Sexual Advances Toward Six Women
February 20, 2018A summary of the Senate’s outside investigation comes after the chamber’s Rules Committee met in closed session to discuss Mendoza’s fate for the second weekday in a row.
Window For Sexual Harassment Complaints Could Widen Under New Bills
January 18, 2018New legislative efforts supporting the “Me Too” anti-harassment movement could change the reporting process for victims filing complaints.
Women In Calif. Politics Share What They'd Like To See Change
October 26, 2017Women in California politics, protesting sexual harassment and abuse at the Capitol, distrust the response from legislative leaders.
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
