Albany, NY ()WIBX)- The state Senate has passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator James Seward that would expand New York's DNA database.

Seward says under the law, anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor would be required to submit DNA samples to the databank.

Seward says by expanding the DNA databank, police and law enforcement officials will have an additional tool to investigate crimes and solve cold cases.

Under the existing law, people who are convicted of about half the crimes that are committed are required to submit DNA samples.

The legislation mirrors the database expansion plan proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in his budget proposal.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

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