Senate Passes Greenstein, Sacco Bill Addressing Collection of DNA Samples for Child Pornography Offenses

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Linda Greenstein and Senator Nicholas J. Sacco which would require a DNA sample to be collected from a person at the time of arrest for endangering the welfare of a child by committing a child pornography offense cleared the Senate today.

“DNA samples are collected from offenders at the time of arrest for various crimes such as sexual assault, luring or enticing a child and endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex).  “It is imperative that an arrest for a child pornography offense is treated with the same level of severity as many of the crimes that warrant the collection of a DNA sample at the time of arrest.”

The bill, S-3078, would make clear the list of crimes for which a DNA sample is collected from a defendant upon arrest also includes those charged with endangering the welfare of a child by producing, distributing or possessing child pornography.

“Child pornography offenses need to be treated with the same level of severity as other crimes that warrant the collection of a DNA sample at the time of arrest,” said Senator Sacco (D-Bergen/Hudson).

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 38-0.