The legislature finds that recent
developments in molecular biology and genetics have important
applications for forensic science. It has been scientifically
established that there is a unique pattern to the chemical
structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contained in each
cell of the human body. The process for identifying this pattern
is called "DNA identification."
The legislature further finds that DNA databases are
important tools in criminal investigations, in the exclusion of
individuals who are the subject of investigations or
prosecutions, and in detecting recidivist acts. It is the policy
of this state to assist federal, state, and local criminal
justice and law enforcement agencies in both the identification
and detection of individuals in criminal investigations and the
identification and location of missing and unidentified persons. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the state to establish a
DNA database and DNA data bank containing DNA samples submitted
by persons convicted of felony offenses and DNA samples necessary
for the identification of missing persons and unidentified human
remains.
The legislature further finds that the DNA identification
system used by the federal bureau of investigation and the
Washington state patrol has no ability to predict genetic disease
or predisposal to illness. Nonetheless, the legislature intends
that biological samples collected under RCW 43.43.754, and DNA
identification data obtained from the samples, be used only for
purposes related to criminal investigation, identification of
human remains or missing persons, or improving the operation of
the system authorized under RCW 43.43.752 through 43.43.758.
[2002 c 289 § 1; 1989 c 350 § 1.]
NOTES:
Severability -- 2002 c 289: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [2002 c 289 § 7.]
Effective date -- 2002 c 289: "This act takes effect July 1, 2002." [2002 c 289 § 9.]