ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Monday legislation expanding the state’s DNA databank, making New York the first state nationwide with an “all crimes” DNA databank, according to the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

Prior to the new legislation, only those found guilty of a felony crime or a select 36 misdemeanors – representing approximately half the misdemeanor crimes in New York State – were required to submit a DNA sample. Under the new law, all those convicted of a felony and nearly all misdemeanors under New York Penal Law will be required to do so. Results will be stored in the state’s databank, allowing authorities to compare DNA samples to old cases.

Said Cuomo, “Today, we fulfilled the promise of public service.”

According to District Attorney Joseph McBride – one of 17 state prosecutors invited to Albany for the signing – approximately 3,000 people have been convicted since the databank was created in 1996. In addition, a total of 27 innocent people have been exonerated thanks to DNA technology.