GOV. RITTER SIGNS 'KATIE'S LAW' TO KEEP COLORADANS SAFER

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed a new DNA-collection bill into law, allowing police to take DNA samples from suspects arrested for rape, burglary and other felonies.

 

Known as Katie's Law, in honor of 22-year-old New Mexico murder victim Katie Sepich, the measure will help prevent other lives from being lost and keep the innocent from being wrongly prosecuted.

 

Senate Bill 241 was sponsored by Sen. John Morse and Reps. Steve King and Scott Tipton. If it had been in effect at the time of her killing in 2003, Katie might still be alive.

 

"As a former prosecutor, I remain passionate about protecting people and ensuring justice," Gov. Ritter said. "This measure will help law enforcement solve crimes and keep Coloradans safe. I especially want to thank Katie's mother, Jayann Sepich, for her dedication to passing this bill. Although she endured every parent's worst nightmare, her efforts have ensured that other lives will be saved."

 

Jayann Sepich, Attorney General John Suthers and Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey were among those who attended today's signing ceremony.

Since its implementation in 15 other states, Katie's Law has led to hundreds of arrests and convictions in unsolved cases, while freeing more than 200 wrongfully imprisoned people nationwide.

 

"One death is one death too many, but one death that could have been prevented, but wasn't, is inexcusable," Sen. Morse said. "Thanks to SB 241 we will join 15 other states and expand the DNA database in Colorado. We will not allow any more unsolved crimes to slip through the cracks. This is about public safety, but more importantly, this is about doing what is right."

 

Visit www.colorado.gov/governor or click here for a list of 2009 legislative action by Gov. Ritter.