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HB 341

DNA and Genetic Testing - As enacted, requires collection of a biological specimen from certain convicted offenders to be collected within 30 days of sentencing to be used for DNA analysis; requires a law enforcement agency to submit a biological specimen from an offender who dies while incarcerated and was previously convicted of a qualifying offense. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35, Part 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Gillespie

Tennessee law now requires DNA collection from certain convicted offenders within 30 days of sentencing and from deceased inmates with prior qualifying convictions to expand state DNA databases for law enforcement investigations.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 63
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Bill Summary · HB 341

Legislative bill overview

HB 341 requires Tennessee law enforcement to collect DNA samples from certain convicted offenders within 30 days of sentencing and mandates submission of biological specimens from offenders who die while incarcerated if they were previously convicted of qualifying offenses. The bill amends Tennessee's existing DNA collection statute to expand and clarify these procedural requirements.

Why is this important

DNA databases are critical tools for law enforcement to solve crimes, exonerate wrongly convicted individuals, and identify repeat offenders. This bill ensures more systematic collection and inclusion of offender DNA in state databases, potentially improving public safety outcomes and investigative capabilities across Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "qualifying offenses": The bill references certain convicted offenders but the specific offense categories that trigger mandatory DNA collection are not detailed in this summary, raising questions about whether the net is appropriately calibrated or overly broad
  • Privacy and civil liberties concerns: Expanded DNA collection raises constitutional questions about bodily autonomy, privacy rights, and whether collection procedures include adequate safeguards against misuse or unauthorized access
  • Implementation costs and burden: Law enforcement agencies must allocate resources to collect, process, and submit samples within tight timeframes, plus maintain secure database infrastructure

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

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