Florida lawmakers need to pass the DNA testing bill …

May 2, 2006 on 2:15 pm | In Commentary | No Comments |

Tallahassee Democrat

published May 1, 2006

Justice, senators?
Pass the DNA testing bill
Since 1989, dozens of inmates across the United States have won their freedom thanks to DNA testing that proved conclusively they didn’t commit the crimes for which they were convicted.

Some were awaiting execution. Others – like Floridians Wilton Dedge and Alan Crotzer – spent half their lives behind bars for rapes committed by someone else.

Thanks to technology, wrongfully convicted inmates in cases where DNA evidence exists still have a chance to clear their names and win their freedom In this country, nothing should assault our sense of justice more than someone languishing in prison for something he or she did not do.

Florida law hasn’t completely caught up yet, though. By a 113-1 vote on April 21, House members did their bit to fix the problem, approving a bill (HB 61) to remove deadlines on DNA testing and allow convicted felons who pleaded guilty or “no contest” to be eligible for the tests.

Now it’s up to the Florida Senate to take a stand for what’s right and just.

SB 186 – the companion to the House bill – was expected to be heard last week. It wasn’t. There’s still time, but it’s running out quickly. If senators don’t take action in the next few days, it’s a dead issue.

That would be more than unfortunate; it would be cruel and unusual punishment, given that we’re talking about innocent people.

Senators, do the right thing. Pass this bill.