Wrongfully convicted prisoners seeking exoneration could be given improved access to DNA testing through the passage of Senate Bill 980. Introduced by California State Senator Ted Lieu, the bill would provide greater access to available evidence for people requesting DNA testing, and establish clear guidelines for police, prosecutors and courts to follow when determining whether to grant DNA testing. SB 980 would additionally allow individuals access to the physical and biological evidence preserved in their cases and increase the number of laboratories approved to conduct DNA testing in California.
Over 300 exonerations in the United States have been based on DNA evidence, with at least eight in California, including NCIP client Johnny Williams, exonerated in 2013. If passed, Senate Bill 980 would make California a leader in post-conviction DNA testing on a national scale. The Northern California Innocence Project and the California Innocence Project are sponsoring the bill, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and Loyola Law School’s Project for the Innocent are co-sponsors.
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