SB401

The Liza Fletcher Act, Senate Bill 401, amends Arkansas law concerning the collection and processing of DNA samples from individuals arrested for felony offenses. The bill authorizes the use of 'rapid DNA technology,' which allows for the automated development of DNA profiles from mouth swabs in one to two hours without the need for traditional laboratory interpretation. It mandates that law enforcement facilities must collect DNA samples from those arrested for felonies and either submit them to the State Crime Laboratory or process them using rapid DNA technology. The legislation also provides legal mechanisms to compel individuals to provide DNA samples if they have previously failed to do so for any reason. Furthermore, the bill allows negotiated plea agreements to require the submission of a DNA sample even if the original charge is reduced to a non-qualifying offense. It reinforces requirements that individuals adjudicated guilty for qualifying offenses must provide a DNA sample before their release.