Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R,C-Horseheads) today voted for laws that expand the state’s criminal DNA database and eliminate the statute of limitations for rape. The bills have been a top legislative priority for O’Mara and his minority colleagues and passed the Senate yesterday.

“This legislation helps make New York a safer place to live,” said O’Mara. “Expanding the DNA database improves the ability of law enforcement to solve current and cold cases, while eliminating the statute of limitations for rape and other sex crimes allows victims who have been traumatized by this horrendous crime to see justice served if the perpetrators aren’t caught until years later.”

The legislation requires DNA samples be taken from all convicted felons and individuals who have been convicted of certain misdemeanors. The number of convicted criminals on the state’s DNA database is expected to triple.

The bill eliminating the statute of limitations for rape and other violent sex offenses also extends the civil statute of limitations for sex crimes from one year to five years.

“As a former District Attorney, I am proud to have worked with the New York state District Attorney’s Association toward passage of this legislation, and particularly, Schuyler county D.A. Joe Fazzary and Steuben county D.A. John Tunney. I thank them for their efforts in coming to Albany to urge passage of the expansion of the DNA database,” concluded O’Mara.

The measures have been sent to the governor for final approval.