FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 E-mail: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Mark Cohen D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/cohen

Cohen introduces legislation to oversee DNA labs

HARRISBURG, March 22 -- State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has introduced legislation (H.B. 912) that would establish a certification process for laboratories that analyze DNA from genetic material.

Cohen, the House majority caucus chairman, said there is currently no state certification process in place in Pennsylvania and the improper analysis of DNA can significantly alter court proceedings using DNA as evidence.

“Many court cases are boiling down to DNA evidence as the deciding factor,” Cohen said. “It would be expedient to know that the labs that provide the DNA analysis are certified and reliable sources of evidence. People’s freedom – and in some cases, their lives – depend on it.”

Cohen’s proposal includes a state inspection as a part of the certification process.

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