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A 627

Relates to requiring consent of a minor's parent, legal guardian or attorney for law enforcement collection of DNA from certain minors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Maritza Davila and 2 co-sponsors

Requires explicit consent from a minor’s parent, guardian, or attorney before law enforcement can collect DNA from certain minors, with safeguards to protect youths’ rights.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 627

Summary: Bill A627A – Consent for DNA Collection from Minors

Overview

Bill A627A, introduced January 8, 2025, would change how law enforcement may collect DNA from certain minors by requiring explicit consent from a minor’s parent, legal guardian, or attorney. The bill is positioned to introduce procedural safeguards around DNA collection from minors and to ensure that consent is obtained from an appropriate representative before any collection occurs.

What the bill would do

  • Establish a requirement that law enforcement obtain consent from a minor’s parent, legal guardian, or attorney prior to collecting DNA from the minor.
  • Apply to “certain minors” as defined within the bill’s text (the bill’s language would specify the scope and criteria of who qualifies as “certain minors”).
  • Create procedural safeguards to govern the consent process prior to DNA collection, with the aim of protecting minors’ rights and ensuring lawful handling of genetic material.

Note: The exact definitions, exceptions, and procedural details are contained in the bill’s text (A627A) but are not provided in the materials available here.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Consent requirement: DNA collection from certain minors by law enforcement cannot proceed without consent from a parent, guardian, or attorney.
  • Authorized representatives: The consent must be provided by the minor’s parent, legal guardian, or attorney, as defined by the bill.
  • Safeguards and procedures: The bill would define the process for obtaining consent and any safeguards to ensure the consent is informed and voluntary.

Because the full statutory language is not included in the provided materials, additional specifics (such as who can grant consent in various custody or guardianship scenarios, any exceptions (e.g., criminal investigations, exigent circumstances), retention of DNA samples, notification requirements, and remedies for noncompliance) would be found in the enacted text.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Minors: The primary beneficiaries are minors, who would gain a procedural safeguard requiring consent before DNA collection.
  • Parents, guardians, and attorneys: They would be the recognized consent providers, with responsibilities to authorize collection.
  • Law enforcement: Agencies would need to adjust procedures to ensure consent is obtained before collecting DNA from the defined group of minors.
  • Judicial/administrative processes: Any consent-related processes would introduce new steps and potential oversight mechanisms.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Referrals: Referred to Governmental Operations (January 8, 2025)
  • Legislative actions:
    • January 8, 2025: Referred to Governmental Operations
    • January 8, 2025: Referred to Governmental Operations (duplicate entry in record)
    • February 20, 2025: Amend and Recommit to Governmental Operations
    • February 20, 2025: Print Number updated to 627A (A627A)
    • February 20, 2025: Amendments and print status reiterated

Sponsors and related measures

  • Primary sponsor: Chantel Jackson
  • Cosponsors: Jo Anne Simon (co-sponsor), Maritza Davila (co-sponsor)
  • Related bills from prior sessions: A6747 (prior-session), A3917 (prior-session)

Notes for readers

  • The summary reflects information available from the bill’s title, sponsor details, and the stated actions. The full, operative text would provide precise definitions, scope, exceptions, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • This bill is in the early legislative stage, with amendments and recommittals noted in the official actions.

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

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