Lopez Bill to Require DNA Sample Collection for Child Pornography Arrests Passes Assembly

(TRENTON) – Under a measure (A-4677) approved by the full Assembly on Thursday, a DNA sample would be required to be collected from a person arrested for endangering the welfare of a child by committing a child pornography offense. The bill passed 76-0.

Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) released the following statement:

“A person arrested for possessing, distributing or producing child pornography is a clear threat to children. We already have several provisions under current law to collect blood or biological samples from offenders arrested for crimes like sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, kidnapping, luring or enticing a child, and endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual contact. It only makes sense to add child pornography arrests to the list.

            “Most importantly, expanding our criminal database may help us catch future offenders and ensure they are brought to justice.”