SB 447 and SJ 29 - focusing on DNA Evidence
BySB 447, sponsored by Senator Lynda Moss (D-Billings) was heard on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. SB 447, titled “Clarify Preservation of DNA in Felony Cases” makes relatively minor, though significant improvements to existing state law by ensuring that DNA evidence is retained for greater lengths of time in criminal investigations.
According to Senator Moss, “We already have strong protocol in Montana for the processing and storage of biological evidence in criminal cases, this bill simply looks to make our laws even stronger.”
Since DNA evidence is relied upon more and more in criminal prosecutions, SB 447 provides Montana’s law enforcement officials and legal professionals more leverage to conduct fair and efficient prosecutions. SB 447 received strong support from law enforcement agencies, legal professionals and social based nonprofits, all of who have a wealth of experience in criminal proceedings and sentencing protocol. SB 447 also received unanimous support in the Senate, passing by a vote of 50 to 0.
Alongside SB 447, Senator Moss sponsored SJ 29, titled “Study Retention of DNA Evidence by State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.” SJ 29 will direct an interim study committee to examine state and local practices to determine how to best process and preserve biological evidence. SJ 29 received strong support from the law enforcement and legal communities, while passing in the Senate by a vote of 44 to 5.
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 