Tipton Working to Advance Federal Version of Katie's Law

Statement

Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) has signed on as an original co-sponsor of a new federal version of Katie's Law that was introduced this week in the House. H.R. 6014 seeks to authorize the Attorney General to award grants for states to implement minimum and enhanced DNA collection processes. The legislation identifies an offset (cut) in federal spending to pay for implementation of the program, so there is no added cost to taxpayers. Tipton introduced Katie's Law in Colorado when he was a state legislator and it was signed into law.

"I'm proud of the work we did to pass Katie's Law in Colorado, which has proven to be extremely effective and has led to violent criminals being taken off our streets. I hope to further strengthen the impact of Katie's Law by bringing it to a national scale and encouraging additional states to participate," said Tipton. "This common sense measure will aid law enforcement in tracking down dangerous criminals, protecting our women and children, and preventing future crimes from being committed."

"I'm encouraged with the progress that we are making toward a federal Katie's Law thanks to the efforts of Sen. Schumer, Rep. Schiff, Rep. Reichert, and Rep. Tipton," Jayann Sepich said. "We take fingerprints when someone is arrested. We take mug shots. But in many states, we still don't take DNA--the most accurate, powerful scientific tool available. Where it is currently in place, Katie's Law has been a valuable tool for state law enforcement in bringing violent criminals to justice and preventing future crimes. By enacting this legislation nationwide we will save lives, and we will prevent families from having to experience the agony of losing a loved one to a senseless and possibly preventable crime."

Background:
Katie's Law is named after Katie Sepich, a young woman who was raped and murdered in Las Cruces, NM. Her killer was arrested following her death, but it wasn't until three years passed that he was convicted of a felony and his DNA was collected, linking him to Katie's murder. Currently 25 states and the federal government have passed legislation to collect DNA samples from felony arrestees and submit them into the Nation DNA Index System (NDIS). The federal version of Katie's Law would provide incentives for states to participate in this program, expanding the size of the NDIS and building its effectiveness.

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