Post-conviction DNA testing legislation passes Senate committee, winter clothing giveaway in Lansing, and more

The Senate version (Senate Bill 1035) of my legislation to update and expand Michigan’s post-conviction DNA testing recently passed in the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. I introduced this legislation (House Bill 6092) in the House earlier this year, and I testified in support during this week’s committee hearing.

The changes proposed to this 25-year-old law would better reflect current technological capabilities and allow more individuals to be eligible for post-conviction DNA testing. Specifically, this legislation would allow access to post-conviction DNA testing in guilty plea cases and reduce restrictions on the availability of testing.

Michigan enacted a post-conviction DNA testing law in 2001 to assist in identifying the factually innocent and ensuring that the true perpetrator is held accountable. Since 2001, DNA testing technology has significantly advanced; for example, smaller amounts of DNA material are now needed to obtain results. I have been working with the Innocence Project at Cooley Law School, my alma mater, on this legislation.

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