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H 2632

An Act relative to lawfully owed DNA

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishes procedures for individuals to access their DNA records from state databases and sets expungement standards for genetic profiles, balancing privacy rights with law enforcement access needs.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2632

Legislative bill overview

H 2632 establishes a mechanism for individuals to obtain their own DNA profile from state law enforcement databases and clarifies procedures for DNA collection, storage, and expungement. The bill addresses situations where individuals lawfully owe DNA samples to the state—such as those convicted of certain crimes or under court order—and defines their rights to access their genetic information.

Why is this important

DNA databases are increasingly central to criminal investigations and public safety, but they also contain sensitive genetic information that raises privacy concerns. This bill balances law enforcement needs with individual rights by creating clear rules about who can access DNA records and under what circumstances genetic information can be retained or removed from state systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. law enforcement tradeoffs: Giving individuals easier access to their DNA profiles could inform defense strategies in ongoing cases, potentially impacting prosecution effectiveness
  • Expungement standards: Disagreement over when DNA profiles should be removed from databases (after sentence completion, acquittal, exoneration, etc.) and whether some profiles should remain indefinitely for public safety
  • Scope of "lawfully owed": Debate over which categories of individuals should be included—currently convicted persons, but potentially expanded to arrestees or certain misdemeanor offenders

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

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