Require Parental Consent Before Police Collect Minor's DNA
Enacted on Jul 31, 2026Signed into law by the Mayor.
Signed into Law
Local Law 2026/051
✦ Plain-Language Summary
This law prevents the NYPD from collecting DNA samples from minors without first getting permission from a parent, legal guardian, or attorney. It helps protect young New Yorkers from having their genetic information taken without a trusted adult's knowledge or approval. There are exceptions, such as when a minor is a crime victim or when DNA is found abandoned at a crime scene.
Details
- Introduced
- Feb 28, 2024
- Passed Council
- Jan 29, 2026
- Enacted
- Jan 29, 2026
- Body
- Committee on Public Safety
- Type
- Introduction
- Status
- Enacted
Sponsors (13)
Official Description
The bill would require that in most circumstances, the NYPD must obtain the consent of a parent, legal guardian or attorney before collecting a DNA sample from a minor. Notably, the bill includes exceptions, such as when the DNA sample is collected from a minor who is alleged to be the victim of a criminal offense, and permits a minor’s DNA collection when abandoned at the scene of a crime, or otherwise gathered in circumstances where the minor is not in police custody, or recovered through interaction with law enforcement.