(Concord, NH) – On April 20th New Hampshire commemorated Crime Victims’ Rights Day. Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been a time of national remembrance – an opportunity for communities, victims and their loved ones, and advocates to join together and reflect on the hard-won progress achieved in victims’ rights and services and the challenges many crime victims still face.

Governor Lynch and Attorney General Mike Delaney spoke at a morning press conference. At this event the family of Kathy Lynn Gloddy was honored for their work on behalf of victims. Over the last two years this family successfully lobbied for the creation of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, and they are currently working to pass HB 523, a bill that would require DNA to be taken from all convicted felons. The family believes that DNA can play a role in solving the nearly 40 year old murder of their sister.

Currently, NH is one of only 2 states that are not taking DNA from all adults who are convicted of a felony, including several sexually based offenses against children.

HB 523-FN authorizes the Department of Safety to take DNA from all persons convicted of a felony and enter this information into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This bill has the ability to solve crimes and cold cases, clear innocent suspects, prevent future crimes, and save the state money in expensive prosecution and investigation costs.

The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended Ought to Pass (5-0) and on April 21st the full Senate went with the Committee's recommendation with a unanimous vote.

The bill is now headed to the Senate Finance Committee for a worksession to determine the bill's fiscal impact on the State.

Related media:
NHPR: Bill Looks to Expand Collection of DNA
Concord Monitor: Sisters Advocate for Voiceless