5-21-13 wisconsin budget-dna arrests

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers are set this week to consider Gov. Scott Walker's plan to take DNA from anyone arrested for a felony and anyone convicted of any crime.  Wisconsin currently collects DNA only from convicted felons and sex offenders. Walker's executive budget lays out nearly $6 million for the initiative. The money largely would come from an existing $250 surcharge on felony offenders and a new $200 surcharge on misdemeanor offenders.  Twenty-five other states and the federal government take DNA upon felony arrests. Civil rights advocates, though, still see Walker's plan as an invasion of privacy.  The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee is working to revise Walker's budget before forwarding it to the full Senate and Assembly. The panel is expected to review the DNA proposal Thursday.