KTRV Fox 12 Idaho Senate backs dumping limit on DNA testing
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Associated Press - March 18, 2010 1:44 PM ET
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Inmates who want to file a petition for DNA or fingerprint analysis would no longer be subject to a 1-year limitation to request such a test, under a measure that cleared the Senate on Thursday.
The measure passed the House unanimously, and now goes to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for signature.
Proponents including Sen. Bart Davis, an Idaho Falls Republican and defense lawyer, argued protecting prisoners' access to DNA tests is important because rapidly changing technology could mean some will be exonerated years after their initial conviction.
Though Davis says he's concerned about victims, but believes even they would welcome DNA tests based on new science that "meaningfully demonstrates" those found guilty of crimes are actually innocent.
Sen. Denton Darrington, a law & order lawmaker, argued this could clog up the justice system with frivolous petitions.
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