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HB 742

An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in DNA data and testing, further providing for policy, for definitions, for DNA sample required upon conviction, delinquency adjudication and certain ARD cases, for collection from persons accepted from other jurisdictions, for expungement and for mandatory cost.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 11 co-sponsors

HB 742 expands Pennsylvania's DNA collection requirements for convicted individuals, juveniles with delinquency adjudications, and certain diversion program participants, affecting privacy and criminal justice practices.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 742

Legislative bill overview

HB 742 amends Pennsylvania's DNA database laws to expand when DNA samples are collected from individuals, modifying requirements for convicted persons, juveniles with delinquency adjudications, and those in accelerated rehabilitation disposition (ARD) programs. The bill also addresses sample collection from persons transferred from other jurisdictions and revises expungement and cost-related provisions.

Why is this important

DNA databases are critical law enforcement tools for solving cold cases and exonerating the innocent, but they raise privacy concerns about whose genetic information the state retains. The scope of who must provide DNA—particularly juveniles and those in diversion programs like ARD—directly affects millions of Pennsylvanians and balances public safety interests against privacy rights and criminal justice fairness.

Potential points of contention

  • Juvenile inclusion: Requiring DNA from minors adjudicated delinquent raises concerns about permanent genetic records for youth, especially given rehabilitation focus of juvenile justice
  • ARD program impact: ARD is designed as a diversion avoiding conviction; requiring DNA from ARD participants may undermine the program's rehabilitative purpose and deter participation
  • Cost allocation: The bill addresses "mandatory cost" but details on who bears DNA collection and database maintenance expenses could shift burdens to defendants or counties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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