Colorado Senate Votes To Expand Blood Tests In Assault Cases
DENVER (AP) - A measure to expand the crimes for which defendants must submit blood samples is among the first bills moving forward in the Colorado Legislature.
The state Senate voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of a bill to require defendants in first-degree assault cases to undergo testing if their bodily fluids come into contact with an officer, first responder or a victim.
The testing is already required of defendants in second- and third-degree assault cases, and supporters say it's not clear why first-degree assault isn't already covered.
An analysis prepared by legislative economists said the addition of first-degree assault would have a "minimal" effect on state spending.
The measure faces one more formal Senate vote before heading to the House.
LINK: Senate Bill 5
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