Published Wednesday, April 15, 2009 6:05 AM

Texas Senate OKs DNA database bill

Wire report

AUSTIN -- The Texas Senate has voted to add tens of thousands of people to the state's criminal justice DNA database.

A bill passed Tuesday would require anyone convicted of a felony and sentenced to probation to submit a DNA sample. Texas currently requires samples from offenders sent to prison.

The bill by Republican Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston also would add those who receive deferred adjudication in felony cases.

Patrick said the measure would give law enforcement a much larger DNA database to help solve crimes and to clear innocent people suspected of crimes.

The bill now goes to the House, which is considering a similar bill.

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