“The all-crimes DNA bill proposed by Governor Paterson today is a judicious and necessary piece of legislation that would help the law catch up with science and technology. Expanding the DNA database would help keep the innocent out of jail and the guilty off our streets. In 2006, after we urged the State Legislature to do so, it passed a law requiring DNA samples to be taken from all New York State convicted felons and some misdemeanants. In 2008, we proposed that samples be required from a larger group, and we are greatly encouraged that the Governor has now proposed to expand the DNA sample requirement to anyone convicted of a penal law crime. We strongly urge the legislature to consider this legislation soon and pass it swiftly.”