PROVIDENCE – The Senate has approved requiring the collection of DNA samples from any person arrested for any crime of violence.

According to a news release, the legislation is modeled after “Katie’s Law,” adopted in 25 states and named for Katie Sepich of New Mexico, who was murdered in 2003.

Rhode Island, like most states, requires the collection of DNA samples from individuals convicted of a felony. The bill will require samples to be taken from individuals arrested for violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter, first-degree arson, kidnapping with intent to extort, robbery, larceny from the person, first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and other crimes.

The collected DNA samples would be administered by the FBI’s national DNA identification index system, which allows for the storage and exchange of DNA records submitted by state and local forensic DNA laboratories for the identification and/or exclusion of individuals who are the subject of criminal investigations or prosecutions.

The legislation provides for expungement of the DNA information if the arrested individual is not charged through indictment or if the case is dismissed by the state or a court, or if the arrested individual is found not guilty. •