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West Virginia legislators reject bill to expand law enforcement database of DNA

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West Virginia legislators reject bill to expand law enforcement database of DNA


West Virginia lawmakers on Thursday soundly rejected a bill that would have expanded a law enforcement database to include collecting DNA samples from people arrested for certain felonies.

Some legislators cited privacy concerns during a lengthy debate before the 66-30 vote by the Republican-dominated House of Delegates. Three members were absent.

“This is just another step away from our liberties,” said Republican Del. Rolland Jennings of Preston County.

DNA EVIDENCE IDENTIFIES LAST KNOWN VICTIM OF GREEN RIVER KILLER ALMOST 40 YEARS LATER

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Current state law requires a DNA sample to be taken from anyone convicted of a felony and certain misdemeanors. The bill would have expanded the law to obtain DNA through cheek swabs from adults arrested on felony charges of violence against someone, a burglary or a case involving a minor. The samples would be sent to a state crime lab and the results stored in an FBI database.

“If you don’t want your DNA taken, don’t do a heinous crime,” said Republican Del. Scot Heckert, a bill supporter.

Pictured here are the statue of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and the West Virginia state Capitol on Aug. 17, 2017, in Charleston, W.Va. Legislators here rejected a bill to expand the circumstances under which law enforcement could legally collect DNA samples from people arrested for certain crimes on Jan. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/John Raby, File)

But some Democrats were concerned about the bill’s potential infringement on Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

“This bill is extremely broad,” Ohio County Democrat Shawn Fluharty said. “It’s dangerous territory to put people in a DNA database simply because they’ve been arrested just for probable cause and accused of a crime.”

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Mason County Republican Jonathan Pinson, a bill supporter, said it was no more of a constitutional concern than collecting fingerprints from suspects. Pinson said lawmakers should be more concerned about helping crime victims whose cases remain unsolved “because we don’t know where to look” for evidence.

The bill also contained steps to expunge someone’s DNA records from the database if they were cleared of the felony charges.

Prior to the vote, the House twice rejected bids to halt debate on the bill.



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West Virginia

Ohio State takes on West Virginia

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Ohio State takes on West Virginia


West Virginia Mountaineers (8-3) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2, 1-1 Big Ten)

Cleveland; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Buckeyes -4.5; over/under is 143.5

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BOTTOM LINE: Ohio State takes on West Virginia at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Buckeyes have a 6-1 record against non-conference oppponents. Ohio State ranks ninth in the Big Ten with 16.4 assists per game led by Bruce Thornton averaging 4.2.

The Mountaineers are 8-3 in non-conference play. West Virginia is 3-3 against opponents with a winning record.

Ohio State averages 87.4 points, 29.0 more per game than the 58.4 West Virginia gives up. West Virginia has shot at a 45.4% clip from the field this season, 3.4 percentage points greater than the 42.0% shooting opponents of Ohio State have averaged.

TOP PERFORMERS: Thornton is shooting 62.3% and averaging 21.7 points for the Buckeyes. John Mobley Jr. is averaging 13.7 points.

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Honor Huff is shooting 41.5% and averaging 17.3 points for the Mountaineers. Brenen Lorient is averaging 10.2 points over the last 10 games.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.



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Critically wounded West Virginia National Guard member being moved to in-patient rehabilitation

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Critically wounded West Virginia National Guard member being moved to in-patient rehabilitation






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E-News | Downtown Dash planned Dec. 13

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E-News | Downtown Dash planned Dec. 13


Join the Main Street Morgantown family-friendly holiday shopping event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 13) in Downtown Morgantown. 

The event will feature a district-wide scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes and the opportunity to explore holiday pop-up markets by Hoot and Howl, The Co-Op and Apothecary Ale House.

While exploring downtown shops, participants who spot DASH the Dog can collect stamps. Each stamp brings participants closer to the chance of winning prizes from downtown merchants such as gift cards and goods. To qualify for prizes, completed Downtown Dash Guides with five or more stamps must be turned into Hoot and Howl, The Co-Op, Apothecary Ale House or at Breezeline’s play-to-win tent on Courthouse Square.

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As a break from shopping, parents and their little ones can visit Kids Craft, Cookies & Cocoa Central at the WARD Building to enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa and cookie bar and children’s crafts provided by Hotel Morgan sponsored by Main Street Morgantown and Breezeline.

Visitors can also visit the beautiful 25-foot-tall holiday tree on display at Courthouse Square, a collaboration between the City of Morgantown, Monongalia County and Main Street Morgantown.   

Sponsored by Breezeline, the Downtown Dash celebrates the holiday season, promotes walking and shopping throughout the downtown district, and supports local businesses by driving foot traffic directly to storefronts.



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