CHAPTER Saf-C 6700  DNA DATABASE RECORDS RULES

 

Statutory Authority: RSA 651-C:3, II

 

PART Saf-C 6701  PURPOSE

 

          Saf-C 6701.01  Purpose.  The purpose of these rules is to establish procedures for the dissemination of information contained in the DNA database regarding samples collected pursuant to RSA 651-C and for the expungement of records contained in the DNA database.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11; ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

PART Saf-C 6702  DEFINITIONS

 

          Saf-C 6702.01  “CODIS” means “CODIS” as defined in RSA 651-C:1, I.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES:

1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11; ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6702.02 “CODIS administrator” means an employee of the forensic laboratory responsible for administration and security of the laboratory’s CODIS and his or her alternate.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11; ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C  6702.03  “Commissioner” means the commissioner of the department of safety or the CODIS administrator as the commissioner’s designee.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6702.02); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6702.04  “Department” means “department” as defined in RSA 651-C:l, II.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6702.03); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6702.05  “Division” means “division” as defined in RSA 651-C:1, III.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6702.04); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6702.06  “DNA” means “DNA” as defined in RSA 651-C:l, IV.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6702.05); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6702.07  “DNA record” means “DNA record” as defined in RSA 651-C:1, V.

 

Source.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6702.06); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6702.08  “Offender” means an individual required to provide a DNA sample pursuant to RSA 651-C:2, I.

 

Source.  #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

PART Saf-C 6703  COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION OF DNA SAMPLES

 

          Saf-C 6703.01  Definitions.  For the purposes of this part, “collector” means the person responsible for the collection of the DNA sample.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11; ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6703.02  DNA Collection Kit.

 

(a)  The division shall provide DNA buccal collection kits to any agency responsible for the collection of DNA samples pursuant to RSA 651-C and these rules.

 

          (b)  The DNA buccal collection kit shall contain the following:

 

(1)  Kit shipping envelope;

 

(2)  Kit instruction sheet;

 

(3)  DNA database information card;

 

(4)  Kit shipping seal;

 

(5)  Biohazard barrier gloves;

 

(6)  Foam tipped paddle swab;

 

(7)  Collection card; and

 

(8)  Desiccant packet in a ziplock bag.

 

          (c)  The kit shall not be used if the kit envelope integrity seals are broken.

 

Source.  #7748, eff 8-17-02; ss by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11; ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6703.03  Collection of DNA Samples.

 

          (a)  The collector shall remove all the components of the kit envelope and ensure that the bar code label on the DNA database information card corresponds to the bar code label on the collection card.

 

          (b)  The collector shall type or clearly print all information requested on the DNA database information card to include the following:

 

(1)  Offender’s legal status;

 

(2)  Offender’s name;

 

(3)  Offender’s date of birth;

 

(4)  The name of the sampling facility;

 

(5)  The name and signature of the collector, including a telephone number; and

 

(6)  The date the sample was drawn.

 

          (c)  The collector shall place the offender’s left and right hand thumb prints on the DNA database information card where indicated.

 

          (d)  The collector shall put on the biohazard barrier gloves prior to the collection of the DNA sample.  The collector shall remove the foam tipped applicator from its packaging, being careful not to touch the foam tip.

 

          (e)  The swab shall be placed in the offender’s mouth and used to thoroughly swab between the offender’s gumline and cheek on the offender’s left and right side, allowing the foam tip to absorb as much saliva as possible.  The swab shall then be removed from the offender’s mouth.

 

          (f)  The collector shall then press the flat circular swab head on the pink surface of the collection card.

 

          (g)  If practicable, the collector shall allow the collection card to air dry for approximately  30 minutes.  The collector shall place the DNA database information card and the DNA collection card in the ziplock bag provided with the desiccant packet.  The ziplock bag shall be closed and placed into the DNA kit shipping envelope.

 

Source.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11, paras (a) and (d)-(h); #9889-B, eff 3-18-11, para (b) & (c); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6703.04  Submission of the DNA Buccal Collection Kit.

 

          (a)  Upon the collection of the offender’s sample in accordance with this part, the collector shall seal the kit envelope by affixing the shipping seal where indicated on the envelope and initial and date the seal.  The kit shipping envelope flap shall not be moistened with saliva or water to seal.

 

          (b)  The collector shall fill out the return address on the kit shipping envelope and deliver to the forensic laboratory by courier or by affixing the appropriate postage where indicated and deliver the kit to:

 

Department of Safety

State Police Forensic Laboratory

Attention:  DNA Unit

33 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH  03305

 

          (c)  If the kit is not to be submitted within 24 hours of collecting the sample, the kit shall be stored at room temperature or refrigerated.

 

Source.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11; ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

PART Saf-C 6704  DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION IN DNA DATABASE

 

          Saf-C 6704.01  Release of DNA Records to a Law Enforcement Officer.

 

          (a)  “Law enforcement officer”, for the purposes of this section, means:

 

(1)  The following from any state:

 

a.  Sheriff or deputy sheriff of any county;

 

b.  State police officer;

 

c.  Constable or police officer of any city or town;

 

d.  Official of any jail or corrections institution;

 

e.  Conservation officer;

 

f.  Probation or parole officer; or

 

g.  Any federal, state, county, or local prosecuting attorney; or

 

(2)  Any federal law enforcement officer.

 

          (b)  “DNA record”, for the purpose of this section, means:

 

(1)  The contents of the file detailing the verification of the offender’s DNA profile;

 

(2)  The DNA information card; and

 

(3)  The DNA profile contained within the database.

 

          (c)  Pursuant to RSA 651-C:3, I, information pertaining to whether an offender’s sample is in the database or DNA records associated with the analysis of an offender’s sample contained in the DNA database may be requested by law enforcement officers in furtherance of an official investigation or prosecution of any criminal offense.

 

          (d)  Requests by law enforcement officers shall be made in writing, via facsimile at (603) 271-1086, email at codis@dos.nh.gov, e-mail directly to the CODIS Administrator, or U.S. mail directed to:

 

CODIS Administrator

State Police Forensic Laboratory

33  Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03305

 

          (e)  Each request by a law enforcement officer shall include:

 

(1)  The agency represented by the officer;

 

(2)  An explanation as to how the information sought will further the official investigation or prosecution of any criminal offense; and

 

(3)  The name and contact information of the individual submitting the request.

 

          (f)  The CODIS administrator shall deny the request if he or she determines that:

 

(1)  The requested information does not meet the requirements of (e) above; or

 

(2)  The release of information is not authorized by RSA 651-C:3,I.

 

          (g)  Any information provided from the DNA database shall not be transferred or made available to any other person or entity not authorized pursuant to RSA 651-C:3,I.

 

          (h)  Requests pursuant to (e) above shall be maintained on file with the division.

 

          (i)  Notwithstanding (d) above, requests from a law enforcement officer initiated to verify whether an individual’s sample has been collected, specifically for the purpose of determining whether a DNA sample is still required to be collected pursuant to RSA 651-C:2, may be answered by telephone.

 

          (j)  Information regarding whether a particular sample has been collected from an offender may be indicated in law enforcement databases.

 

          (k)  Notwithstanding (d) above, following verification of any match between a New Hampshire offender and evidence submitted by a New Hampshire law enforcement agency, the CODIS administrator shall release the offender information to the law enforcement agency that submitted the associated evidence sample.  The notification may initially occur telephonically, but shall be followed by written notification.

 

Source.  #7727, INTERIM, effective 7-20-02, EXPIRES: 1-16-03; ss by #7748, eff 8-17-02; amd by #7990, eff 1-1-04; amd by #9762, INTERIM, eff 8-14-10, EXPIRED: 2-10-11

 

New.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6703.01); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6704.02  Release of Information to a CODIS Participating Laboratory.

 

          (a)  Release of offender information in relation to a CODIS match between a New Hampshire offender and an evidence sample from an unsolved out of state case shall be specifically requested.

 

          (b)  If release of offender information by a CODIS participating laboratory is requested, it shall be made in writing, via facsimile at (603) 271-1086, e-mail at codis@dos.nh.gov, e-mail directly to the CODIS Administrator, or U.S. mail directed to:

 

CODIS Administrator

State Police Forensic Laboratory

33 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03305

 

          (c)  Each request shall include:

 

(1)  The agency represented; and

 

(2)  The name and contact information of the individual submitting the request.

 

          (d)  Unless the identity and authority of the requestor is known to the CODIS administrator, the CODIS administrator shall verify the identity and authority of the requestor.

 

          (e)  Requests made pursuant to (a) shall be maintained on file with the division.

 

          (f)  Information may be released to a representative of a CODIS participating laboratory regarding a result of an offender hit with that laboratory’s evidence sample from a solved case.  The CODIS administrator shall determine whether the identity of the matching offender is the same as the identified subject in the solved case.

 

Source.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6703.02); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

          Saf-C 6704.03  Requesting a Copy of Law Enforcement Request.

 

          (a)  Pursuant to RSA 651-C:3, III a copy of the request for information set forth in Saf-C 6704.01 (c) and 6704.02 (a) shall be provided to any person, upon request, who is identified and charged with an offense as a result of a search of information in the DNA database.

 

          (b)  Each request pursuant to (a) above shall:

 

(1)  Be submitted in writing by the person and notarized; or

 

(2)  Be submitted in writing by the person’s legal representative.

 

          (c)  Pursuant to RSA 651-C:3, III, the existence of data in the DNA data base shall be confirmed or identifying information shall be disseminated only following an analysis and confirmed match between the biological sample submitted from the person and the DNA record contained in the database.

 

          (d)  For the purpose of this section, “identifying information” means:

 

(1)  A DNA information card;

 

(2)  A DNA profile contained within the database; and

 

(3)  A CODIS match report.

 

          (e)  Requests pursuant to (a) above shall be maintained on file with the division.

 

Source.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6703.02); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19 (from Saf-C 6704.02)

 

PART Saf-C 6705  EXPUNGEMENT OF DNA DATABASE RECORDS

 

          Saf-C 6705.01  Procedure for Expungement of Offender Records.

 

          (a)  Pursuant to RSA 651-C:5  an offender may request expungement on the grounds that the criminal conviction on which the authority for including such person’s DNA record was based has been reversed or dismissed.

 

          (b)  All requests shall be submitted to:

 

CODIS Administrator

Department of Safety

State Police Forensic Laboratory

33 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03305

 

          (c)  All requests for expungement pursuant to RSA  651-C:5, I shall be submitted in writing by the person or his or her legal representative and shall include a certified copy of the court order reversing or dismissing the conviction.

 

          (d)  Upon receipt of the request, the CODIS administrator shall verify the validity of the court order.

 

          (e)  A criminal records history shall be conducted of the person, in order to determine if any other qualifying offenses exist, as set forth in RSA 651-C:2, I.

 

          (f)  If no other qualifying offenses exist, as set forth in RSA 651-C:2, I, all records and identifiable information in the DNA database pertaining to said offense, along with any biological samples provided by the person, shall be purged.

 

          (g)  If other qualifying offenses exist, as set forth in RSA 651-C:2, I, all identifiable information in the DNA database pertaining to the offense, along with any biological samples provided by the person, shall remain in the DNA database and not be purged.

 

          (h)  Pursuant to RSA 651-C:5, II, the DNA record of juvenile sexual offenders shall be maintained in the DNA database and shall not be automatically expunged from the DNA database upon the person reaching the age of adulthood.

 

          (i)  Requests pursuant to (c)  above shall be maintained on file with the division.

 

Source.  #9889-A, eff 3-18-11 (from Saf-C 6704.01); ss by #12794, eff 5-28-19

 

APPENDIX

 

Rule

Specific State Statute the Rule Implements

 

 

Saf-C 6701.01

RSA 541-A:7

Saf-C 6702.01

RSA 541-A:7 & RSA 651-C:1, I

Saf-C 6702.02 and Saf-C 6702.03

RSA 541-A:7

Saf-C 6702.04

RSA 651-C:1, II

Saf-C 6702.05

RSA 651-C:1, III

Saf-C 6702.06

RSA 651-C:1, IV

Saf-C 6702.07

RSA 651-C:1, V

Saf-C 6703

RSA 651-C:2, III

Saf-C 6704.01(a)

RSA 541-A:7

Saf-C 6704.01(b)-(l) and Saf-C 6704.02

RSA 651-C:3, I

Saf-C 6704.03

RSA 651-C:3, III

Saf-C 6705

RSA 651-C:5