Case Explained: Iowa AG proposes DNA-collection law for all felony arrests – Legal Perspective

DES MOINES, Iowa (KWQC) — One of Iowa Attorney General’s legislative priorities would require DNA collection from people arrested for felony or aggravated misdemeanor offenses, joining more than 30 other states with similar laws.

The bill would change DNA collection to the time of arrest instead of post-conviction.

The proposal, known as Katie’s Law, was the centerpiece of Brenna Bird’s 2026 legislative priorities announced at a press conference in the Iowa Supreme Court Chamber on Tuesday.

Bird said the bill gives law enforcement and cold case investigators a valuable resource to identify suspects, resolve cases faster and stop repeat crimes.

Closing the window for repeat offenders

The law is named after Katie Sepich, a New Mexico college student who was murdered in 2003. Her case helped drive national advocacy for expanded DNA collection laws.

Former New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez prosecuted the case as a prosecutor and later signed the bill into law.

She spoke at the press conference and said the law addresses a critical gap in the criminal justice system.

“When we wait until conviction to collect DNA, we give serial offenders a ‘free pass’ between the time of their arrest and their final sentencing,” Martinez said. “We allow them to remain anonymous for past crimes they’ve already committed. Katie’s Law closes that window.”

Additional legislative priorities

Bird also outlined three other legislative priorities for 2026:

Protecting Crime Victims: Updates rules to extend no-contact orders, shortens notification requirements for sex offenders, and allows crime victim counselors to share information with law enforcement when there is immediate risk of harm.

Mary Ingham, Executive Director of Crisis Intervention Services, said the legislation “puts victims’ safety and dignity first while still protecting fair legal procedures.”

Protecting Judicial Officers: Gives judicial officers and attorney general staff professional permits to carry firearms and makes threats against judicial officers and their families a felony offense.

Defense Subpoenas: Aims to reduce what Bird called “abusive tactics” by defense attorneys to discourage victims and witnesses from testifying.

Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholt and Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks also spoke in support of the proposals.

“We want Iowa to be a place where crime victims are prioritized, law enforcement and prosecutors are respected, and courts, judges and Iowans are safe,” Bird said.

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