Inslee signs law on post-conviction preservation of DNA

Published 2:41 pm Monday, May 11, 2015

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a measure that would require DNA collected in any felony case charged as a violent or sex offense to be preserved through the length of the offender’s sentence, including post-prison community custody.

Inslee signed House Bill 1069 Monday and it takes effect in July.

Most states have varying laws on how long to preserve biological evidence. Washington is one of several that didn’t automatically preserve DNA for serious felonies. Previously in Washington state, defendants had to file motions post-conviction to have evidence preserved for use during possible appeals.