New Ohio law requires retention of DNA evidence
A new Ohio law will require police departments and crime labs to retain biological evidence in certain violent crimes for 30 years or more.
The law taking effect Tuesday, July 6, 2010, involves evidence from crimes including murder and aggravated murder, vehicular manslaughter, rape and sexual battery.
Advocates say the law will help free wrongly convicted people when new evidence is uncovered.
According to the Associated Press, opponents say the law is unwieldy and another example of an unfunded state mandate at a time when municipalities face severe budget problems.
The new law also requires the collection of DNA genetic evidence from anyone arrested on a felony charge.