“I am so proud of all the men and women veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. Those great Americans have done so much to protect our freedom and saved millions of other people around the world from tyranny and oppression,” said Rep. Nicastro. “In their memory and honor, we must do what we can to keep thieves and vandals from desecrating those important monuments paid for by their widows, family members, good citizens and surviving veterans.”

The bill defines two crimes concerning war or veterans' memorials or monuments - interference with, and possession of a memorial or monument, and sets the penalty for them.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of interference with a war or veterans' memorial or monument if they intentionally defaces, mutilates, or destroys it, or removes any part of it from its official location.

A person is guilty of unlawfully possessing a war or veterans' memorial or monument if he or she possesses, purchases, or attempts to purchase a memorial or monument; or sells, offers for sale, or attempts to sell or transfers war or veterans' memorial or monument, or any part of one, knowing that it has been unlawfully removed from its official location.

The bill makes both crimes a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The bill seeks to protect the best interests of minor children of members of the armed services by minimizing the disruption caused by deployment.

The intent of the bill is to foster the well-being and the psychological health of military families and make sure Connecticut courts are responsive to the healthy development of military children.

“Many states have enacted legislation prohibiting a non-deployed person from using the fact of deployment as a basis for custody modification, but Connecticut is not among them,” Rep. Nicastro explained. “The central element of this legislation is to ensure that a court cannot enter into a final order modifying parental rights due to deployment.”

“As America’s military commitments in Afghanistan and around the world persist, it is important that we address family issues which military parents face,” said Rep. Nicastro.

The legislation calls for as much contact as possible between children and the parent who is absent while on military duty by providing contact by phone or e-mail.

The Department of Defense’s USA Military Families Initiative has identified the bill as one of their top priorities and announced support for the bill earlier this year.

The bill now moves to the State Senate for their consideration.

The funding is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission at their next meeting Friday, April 27 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The Bristol Community Organization, Inc. will receive a grant for an information technology system collaboration to consolidate administrative functions among Bristol Community Organization, Inc., TEAM, Inc. and the Human Resource Agency.

Funding for the EWP program will protect infrastructure and  river corridors in Bristol, and other towns damaged during flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. The federal program is funding 75 percent of the cost of the projects.

“I am glad to see that Bristol is getting the attention it deserves for these needed improvements,” said Rep. Nicastro (D-Bristol). “These projects are good for the economy and helps create good paying construction jobs.”

"This funding for the Bristol Community Organization will improve their efforts to better serve the community," Rep. Christopher Wright (D-Bristol) said. "In addition, the Bond Commission's approval of funding for repairs from damage following Tropical Storm Irene is welcomed."

"By recognizing their sacrifices, we want military children to know that we care about them and will connect them with the resources they need," said Rep. Nicastro, who serves as vice-chair of the legislature's Select Committee on Veterans Affairs. "It's a way of saying thank you."

"The children of the men and women who serve us in our military make daily sacrifices in supporting America's armed forces," said Sen. Welch, who serves as Ranking Member of the Select Committee on Veterans Affairs. "It's particularly important that we recognize them during these times of conflict."

Along with the military-related stress of multiple moves and schools, children also have had to deal with long-term, multiple deployments and separations from one, or both, parents over the past 10-plus years.

The legislators noted that Connecticut has a strong circle of support, in which schools, communities, health care providers and government agencies come together to support military families.

"We congratulate and commend Lake Compounce for providing employment opportunities to people with ASD and for hosting annual training for all of your employees about ASD," said Rep. Betty Boukus. "The dedication and friendship shown to people and families with Autism Spectrum Disorders is simply outstanding."

"Raising the level of awareness regarding autism is a critical issue for our educational system. Individualizing education plans helps address this and other barriers to learning and growth," said Rep. Frank Nicastro. "Each child deserves our best efforts to make their personal experiences as enriching and rewarding as possible."

From left: Jerry Brick of Lake Compounce, Rep. Chris Wright, Rep. Frank Nicastro

"Lake Compounce and all their employees deserve to be honored," Rep. Christopher Wright said. "Lake Compounce has been a leader in developing programs that serve as an example to everyone on how to serve the autism community and the families who visit their park. We applaud their great work."

The legislative citation was signed by Rep. Abercrombie, Rep. Whit Betts, Rep. Boukus, Rep. Nicastro, Rep. Wright and Sen. Jason Welch.

"Each year our managers attend an Autism Boot Camp led by an Autism Speaks representative, where they learn understanding and compassion," said the park's General Manager Jerry Brick. "The program is always well received, and our team members consistently comment on how beneficial the training is."

Autism Awareness Day is an annual event to draw attention to Autism Spectrum Disorders and affected individuals and families. This was the 8th Autism Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).

First of all, I would like to thank the Committee for hearing this bill, which is an important one for all of our constituents. We as a Legislature have been working very hard to protect Connecticut citizens from identity theft. As an example, over the past few years we have taken steps to protect the disclosure of social security numbers. House Bill 5416 provides another protection which will help in the ongoing problem of identity theft.

Throughout the State, people receive unsolicited mail to their homes almost every day with various business offers, including credit card applications. These unsolicited offers have posed an inconvenience, annoyance, and an avenue for identity theft for a long time, but it seems increasingly that many of these offers contain applications with our personal data printed already on the form. These pre Tilled applications often contain a person's name as well as street address, including city or town.

PreTilled applications make it easier for identity thefts to occur as a result of theft from mailboxes or improper disposal of these papers. Although many residents destroy these applications in their shredders, many residents do not have shredders that would minimize the threat. If these pre-filled applications are disposed of without tearing and are simply thrown away, a person can become an easier victim of identity theft.

We all know that identity theft is a major problem, which takes a toll on its victims both emotionally and financially. Although we cannot prevent identity theft from happening, we can take steps to at least make it more difficult. HB 5416 takes decisive action to correct this problem of pre-filled applications and provides another level of protection for all Connecticut citizens.

"Rep. Nicastro will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan of Meriden. "His two decades of service in municipal government, coupled with his legislative experience, make Frank an ideal individual to serve on this important commission."

“I am honored to serve and look forward to working to improve the relationship between municipalities, the state and other governmental bodies,” said Nicastro. “As a former Bristol mayor I understand the issues cities and towns face every day and will bring those concerns forward.”

"For several years Frank and I were both mayors of large cities. We both recognize the need for regional cooperation," said state Senator Steve Cassano (D-4th), who is the former longtime mayor of Manchester. "Frank is very direct and he understands the need for all of us to work together. His expertise and experience will be a welcome addition to the Commission."

Created in 1985, the commission’s role is to serve as a forum for state and local officials, conduct research on intergovernmental issues, encourage and coordinate studies of intergovernmental issues by universities, initiate policy development and make recommendations to all levels of government.

In addition to personal items, gift cards and clothes, this year's donations included Wii video game consoles and a flat-screen TV. After the press conference, the donations were loaded into a van for delivery to the Veteran's Home.

Donations were provided by lawmakers, legislative staff, visitors to the Capitol and many others.

Since 1863, the residential facility at the Veterans' Home and Hospital has offered a place to live and a continuum of rehabilitative services designed to prepare veterans for their return to independent living in the community.

We have had not one but two devastating storms in just two months that have knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers across the state.

Residents lost food and were forced to find costly alternative housing. Businesses were severely impacted and forced to close their doors. While the true costs are impossible to calculate, there is one conclusion that is easy to make; Connecticut Light & Power Co. failed to do its job in preparing for the storms and restoring power in a timely fashion.

We have the highest electric rates in the country, and yet we don't have the best service. That has to change.

One thing we have learned from this unfortunate experience is that CL&P and other utilities need to have service-restoration standards and accompanying penalties to ensure compliance.

That is why I will be seeking legislation designed to hold utility companies accountable to consumers for their performance before, during and after natural disasters. The legislation must include financial compensation for customers who have suffered damages. The compensation could come from fines of 2.5 percent of utility companies' transmission and distribution revenues for failing to meet standards.

The compensation, perhaps in the form of a utility bill rebate or credit, would help offset costs incurred in lost food, medical assistance, alternative housing and removal and repair of damage to property.

Not only should there be standards for service restoration, but also we should have a detailed priority plan for reconnecting customers. In addition, we need legislation requiring the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to take a more aggressive stance for the consumer on utility matters.

Utility companies also should be required to file yearly emergency plans, including the number of contracted linemen and information on reciprocal aid agreements with other states and countries. In addition, there should be a requirement that they pay outside linemen used for emergency repairs within 30 days from the date of billing.

Beyond that, municipalities need to be given authority to hire linemen, tree cutters and electricians to assume responsibility if the utility does not meet its benchmarks – with those costs to be paid by the utility company.

The emergency plans should provide that hospitals, senior complexes, nursing homes, medical facilities, gas stations and grocery stores be given priority. And towns with highest number of seniors should be given a higher priority.

We understand that the two storms we have experienced have been unusual in their destructiveness. But we must have certain expectations of our utility companies, and they have to have an accountability that is measurable.

“I am glad to see that Bristol Hospital is getting the attention it deserves for these needed improvements,” said Rep. Nicastro. “These projects are good for the economy and helps create good paying construction jobs.”

“Bristol Hospital is an integral part of the Bristol Community,” said Rep. Wright. “The members of the Legislature are happy to support the work of the hospital.”

These funds were requested to provide a grant-in-aid to Bristol Hospital as part of the UConn Health Network and Bioscience Initiative bill passed by the Legislature last year.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:45 a.m. Friday, October 28th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“It is state money being spent in the right place for the right purpose, our children,” said Rep. Nicastro. “It is a great thing for the City of Bristol.”

For more than 100 years the Bristol Boys & Girls Club and Family Center has provided services for children and families in Bristol and surrounding communities.

Championed by Rep. Nicastro and State Rep. Ernest Hewett (D-New London), the legislation was modeled after “Katie’s Law”, in memory of Katie Sepich, a 22-year-old graduate student at New Mexico State University, who was raped, strangled, set on fire and abandoned at a dumpsite near her home in August of 2003. In Katie’s case, after three years, the New Mexico DNA database matched the unknown profile of her perpetrator, who had been convicted of several other crimes.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this law will assist law enforcement in resolving crimes quicker and preventing repeat offenders from causing more pain to families,” Nicastro said. “I am pleased the governor has given his signature to this important law.”

The legislation requires people arrested for any of 39 serious felony offenses to provide a DNA sample before they are released from custody if they had previously been convicted of a felony. Additionally, the information gathered will be added to a federal DNA database.

Public Act 11-152 was recommended by the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence created by Speaker Donovan in 2009. The task force held a series of meetings and public hearings over the past year to find ways the state could augment domestic violence reforms enacted last year.

“Domestic violence is sometimes seen as a private problem, but it is all of our responsibility to be vigilant, to help victims to seek assistance, to promote prevention, and to advocate for changes that make domestic violence socially unacceptable. This new law goes a long way in doing just that,” said Speaker Donovan.

We listened to what victims of domestic violence and law enforcement professionals, including prosecutors and judges, who all said we needed to change,” said Rep. Nicastro. “This year we made great progress to further strengthen domestic violence laws by focusing on law enforcement and victim services."

The law expands the ability of victims who have experienced a pattern of threatening or stalking to request a restraining order, and clarifies that people of any age, including teens, can request a restraining order to protect them from a partner who has subjected them to abuse.

It also fixes a contradiction in state law that currently exempts people in dating relationships from arrest when a domestic violence crime is committed, so that police have clear authority to make such arrests.

Nicastro said, "Nearly 30 percent of criminal court dockets involve domestic violence and protecting victims during each step of the judicial process is a critical component of stopping domestic violence. By reducing the number of offenders that get quickly released on bond before a cooling period we better protect victims and their children additional violence."

The task force heard concerns about a lack of timely response from law enforcement to restraining order violations. To improve response time, courts will be authorized to issue a standing post-trial criminal protective order for certain offenses against children, which will promote more timely and lawful arrests of those in violation.

The new law will also improve access to domestic violence services by requiring police officers to provide victims with information about their regional domestic violence program so they can obtain trauma-informed counseling and other emergency services.

It also will allow families of victims of domestic violence to receive restitution like that provided to families of other crime victims. It also requires offenders to surrender their firearms to police or sell them to a federally-licensed firearms dealer if the offender is barred from possessing them due to a restraining or protective order.

The law requires judicial branch staff to disclose to the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) information indicating if a defendant poses a threat to a child. It also permits judicial branch family relations counselors to disclose information about a defendant to pretrial programs to ensure they provide appropriate services and to adult probation officers to ensure appropriate sentencing.

This is the second new law enacted to address domestic violence issues this year. Beginning October 1, bail bond agents will be required to charge the full premium and stop the practice of “undercutting.” Undercutting occurs when bail bond agents compete for business by discounting the premium due on a bond and do not charge their clients the statutorily required amount. As a result, defendants post bond at rates lower than what the state requires and are quickly released back into the community, sometimes without any “cooling off” period.

The Task Force was also responsible for introducing and leading passage of a three-part package of reforms during the 2010 session that led to the most sweeping changes to the state’s domestic violence statutes in almost 25 years. Additional information about the task force can be found on its web site at: www.housedems.ct.gov/DV.

“We have successfully balanced our energy needs in a way that recognizes the impact on rate payers and are clearly moving to cleaner energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Representative Nicastro. “We are taking responsibility for Connecticut’s energy future with this legislation and have included goals for lowering rates in all aspects of our planning process.”

In its major components, the legislation:

• Creates the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
• Creates the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority to leverage private capital for clean energy projects
• Improves electricity contracting and procurement procedures to lower rates
• Orders a study of electric market rules and their effect on higher rates
• Supports zero-emission and low-emission technologies
• Establishes a one-stop-shop to proactively reach out to businesses and consult with them on available programs and reducing their energy costs

“This marks a major step toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable energy future for Connecticut’s families and businesses. It will help to create jobs and businesses in clean energy and energy efficiency industries, putting Connecticut at the forefront of innovation and development,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan.

The broad aim of Senate Bill 1243 is to lower Connecticut’s energy costs and electric rates (amongst the highest in the nation), while moving the state toward clean and efficient energy. The bill seeks to help create the industries, jobs and businesses necessary to facilitate this kind of transformation in Connecticut, and then export those products, technologies and services elsewhere in the world.

House Bill 6489 was modeled after “Katie’s Law”, in memory of Katie Sepich, a 22-year-old graduate student at New Mexico State University, who was brutally raped, strangled to death, set on fire and abandoned at a dumpsite in August 2003.

The legislation requires people arrested for any of 39 serious felony offenses to provide DNA sample before they are released from custody if they had previously been convicted of a felony. The bill would aid in identifying violent criminals and help close unsolved cold cases by having DNA screened against the DNA database.

“If this bill saves the life of one person, then it will be worth all the time and effort the legislature devoted,” said Rep. Nicastro. “This measure has the potential to not only solve crimes, but to prevent crimes and save lives.”

The information gathered will be added to a federal DNA database. A provision in the bill allows for an individual that is exonerated to be allowed to have their DNA expunged from the system. The bill now moves to the State Senate for legislative action.

According to Jayann Sepich, founder of DNASaves.org, the law identifies violent criminals quickly. For example, in states that have passed Katie’s Law burglary offenses have led to the largest group of DNA matches for other unsolved violent crimes. By collecting DNA from arrestees, law enforcement can identify criminals earlier and create more efficient investigation practices. Solving crimes sooner reduces costs associated with misdirected investigations. With a DNA match, law enforcement can quickly narrow in on the right suspect, saving untold man hours used in traditional investigations. This cost savings can then be redirected to other crimes where DNA is not available and traditional investigation techniques are the only means of solving the crime.

The Boys and Girls Club of America Youth of the Year awards recognize students for their service, academic success and solid character, as well as their dedication to hard work and achieving their goals.

“It was an honor to introduce these amazing young people to my colleagues in the House,” Rep. Boukus said. “I have had a long and rewarding history with the Bristol and New Britain Boys & Girls Clubs, so I was so pleased to see Bristol’s Adam Otero and New Britain’s Denise Yambo - extraordinary young people with very bright futures.”

During a break in the legislative session, Rep. Boukus, Rep. Frank Nicastro (D-Bristol) and Rep. Whit Betts (R-Bristol) met with Adam Otero, Youth of the Year award winner from the Bristol Boys & Girls Club.

“Adam is truly a model for others to emulate.” said Rep. Nicastro. “As an honor student, Adam shared his academic success as a mentor and homework tutor at the 'Club'. Adam has a strong commitment to our community by teaching younger youth the importance of giving back, and leading by example,”

“I was so happy to meet Adam today and spend some time with him,” said Rep. Betts. “He really is a remarkable young man and I wish him all the success in the world.”

A senior at Bristol Eastern High School, Otero will be attending Pace University. He has been a club member since he was a student at Mountain View Elementary School and has been a volunteer at the club for two years. Adam has logged 150 volunteer hours this year and works every Monday afternoon at the club, mentoring younger students.

(Left to Right) Rep. Frank Nicastro, Rep. Betty Boukus, Adam Otero and Rep. Whit Betts

After meeting with Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s staff and legislators from towns that lose funding under the governor’s proposed elimination of the Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment (MME) tax exemption reimbursement to municipalities, we are working on fixing the problem  before a state budget is approved by the General Assembly and becomes law.

In the original plan as proposed, Bristol would lose $2,066,321.

Although the governor has tried to assure us that impacted towns would be compensated in other ways for the revenue loss, we are unconvinced that the overall plan would truly hold towns “harmless.”

The MME provides for a 100 percent exemption of local property taxes on qualified, newly acquired manufacturing machinery and equipment. The State of Connecticut then reimburses municipalities for a portion of the exemptions under a Payment in Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) program.

At a recent meeting with the governor’s staff members, several town officials and legislators told them the PILOT program is critical and we would have to explore other options. We have taken the leadership in meeting with fellow legislators whose towns are also impacted by the loss of PILOT program dollars to pursue a joint strategy in recouping this money. We have also worked with the Appropriations Committee in adding a revenue line to hold the towns harmless from the loss of this PILOT money.

In these difficult economic times, Bristol and its surrounding towns need new revenue streams and we are pushing various bills that would meet that need.

One bill very important for Bristol calls for increasing the tax on lodging by 3 percent. Under that bill, Bristol and other municipalities where lodging is located would directly receive one percent of the increase. The remaining two-thirds of the new revenue would be divided so that half of the money is distributed to each municipality in the state and the other half distributed to each regional council of governments.

We will continue to look for new revenue sources, spending cuts and cost efficiencies that will in the long run benefit taxpayers, businesses and the City of Bristol.

Last May, Governor Rell signed HB 5352 proclaiming March 30th as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, becoming only the second state in the Nation to do so. On March 7th of this year, Congress passed an Act officially naming March 30th as National Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. On April 10, the CT Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans ceremony will commemorate those events and officially welcome these heroes home. More information is available online at: www.ctwhvvd.com/ctwhvvd.com/Home.html

“This day of recognition is long, long overdue. They all served our country with honor. Too many of them came home battered, broken or not all,” said Rep. Nicastro. “I am proud that today, and every year going forward their efforts will be recognized across the state.”

Also in attendance were Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden), Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Patricia Dumin, President of CT Vietnam Veterans of America, Brigadier General (RET) Dan McHale and original bill sponsor former Rep. Ted Graziani.

“Connecticut is only the second state in the country to adopt an official ‘welcome home’ day. I was proud to co-sponsor the bill last year,” said Rep. Nicastro. “We should all be very grateful for their individual sacrifices and those of their families and loved ones.”

March 30th marked the first annual observance of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day since the passage last year of HB 5352. The act directs that the Governor to dedicate March 30th of every year to remember the return of the last members of the armed forces who served in Vietnam, and to honor the service of all veterans of the Vietnam War.

Nicastro spent six years in the U.S. Navy, of which 3 years were spent on a destroyer as a sonar man. After an honorable discharge, another 24 years of service was given in the Connecticut National Guard. Nicastro has long supported issues impacting active and retired servicemen and women and their families. He has participated in numerous military funerals as an honor guard member playing taps across the northeast and at Arlington National Cemetery.

Following the press conference, Ms. Jayann Sepich, Katie’s mother, gave testimony at a Judiciary Committee Public Hearing today in support of HB 6489, AN ACT REQUIRING DNA TESTING OF PERSONS ARRESTED FOR THE COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS FELONY.

“Katie Sepich was brutally murdered and her killer, under arrest for burglary in 2006 had his DNA matched as Katie’s killer. DNA matching will not only save lives by locking up dangerous criminals but also prevent repeat offenders from committing additional crimes,” said Rep. Nicastro. “24 other states and the federal government have similar laws that have proven that DNA matching works and can help save innocent lives. I am honored to be able to co-sponsor this bill modeled after ‘Katie’s Law’ that is being adopted nationally.” 

“This legislation will not only put the guilty in jail, but will help free people wrongfully convicted. Increasing the DNA bank will enhance an important tool that law enforcement currently uses to facilitate criminal investigations,” said Rep. Hewett, a member of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee. “For example, since 2003, the state of Virginia has received over 5000 hits on their DNA database with nearly 500 of these matches directly attributed to arrestees.”

Hewett added, “I thank Ms. Sepich for coming to Connecticut to support this bill and to share her personal story with us.  DNA is the blueprint of the 21 century. The time has come to give our law enforcement officers the tools they need to solve crimes that otherwise may take years. DNA evidence has proven effective in resolving many cases. I believe this legislation will help our state get those offenders who have committed repeated crimes locked away from our communities.”

“My daughter Katie was brutally raped and murdered.  Our family knows the pain of burying a much loved child,” said Jayann Sepich.  “24 states and the federal government have passed legislation allowing DNA to be taken upon certain arrests.  It works.  It solves crimes, prevents crimes, saves lives and exonerates the innocent.  It means other families will not walk our path.”

According to Jayann Sepich, founder of DNASaves.org, the law identifies violent criminals quickly. For example, in states that have passed Katie’s Law burglary offenses have led to the largest group of DNA matches for other unsolved violent crimes. By collecting DNA from arrestees, law enforcement can identify criminals earlier and create more efficient investigation practices. Solving crimes sooner reduces costs associated with misdirected investigations. With a DNA match, law enforcement can quickly narrow in on the right suspect, saving untold man hours used in traditional investigations. This cost savings can then be redirected to other crimes where DNA is not available and traditional investigation techniques are the only means of solving the crime.

“I am honored to be able to propose this bill modeled after ‘Katie’s Law’ that is being adopted nationally. Katie Sepich was brutally murdered and her killer, under arrest for burglary in 2006 had his DNA matched as Katie’s killer. DNA matching will not only save lives by locking up dangerous criminals but also prevent repeat offenders from committing additional crimes,” said Rep. Nicastro. “24 other states and the federal government have similar laws that have proven that DNA matching works and can help save innocent lives.”

“This legislation will not only put the guilty in jail, but will help free people wrongfully convicted. Increasing the DNA bank will enhance an important tool that law enforcement currently uses to facilitate criminal investigations,” Rep. Hewett said. “Since 2003, the state of Virginia has received over 5000 hits on their DNA database with nearly 500 of these matches directly attributed to arrestees.”

Hewett added, “DNA is the blueprint of the 21 century. We have to ask ourselves if the state of Connecticut is prepared to give our police departments the tools they need to solve these crimes.  In addition, there is a component in this bill that if an individual does not get convicted of a crime, his DNA could be expunged.”

According to Jayann Sepich, Katie’s mother, founder of DNA Saves and Katie’s Law advocate, the law identifies violent criminals quickly. By collecting DNA from arrestees, law enforcement can identify criminals earlier and create more efficient investigation practices. Solving crimes sooner reduces costs associated with misdirected investigations. With a DNA match, law enforcement can quickly narrow in on the right suspect, saving untold man hours used in traditional investigations. This cost savings can then be redirected to other crimes where DNA is not available and traditional investigation techniques are the only means of solving the crime.