Maryland lawmakers and Governor O'Malley's adminstration have come to an agreement on the wording of a DNA collection law.

The original language, supported by Governor O'Malley, allowed police to take DNA samples from people arrested for violent crimes or burgalary.  Members of Maryland's legislature disagreed with the regulation, and contended that DNA should only be collected from those who had been formally charged with a crime.  The two sides were able to reconcile their differences during a legislative session.

Despite the compromise, members of the Governor's administration left language in the bill that would allow samples to be collected during the booking process.  Members of the Legislative Black Caucus and NAACP charged that the inclusion of the language violated the spirit of the law and was an invasion of privacy.  After a public battle, members of the administration agreed to clarify the bill to meet the initial compromise.

Click here to read The Daily Times' report on the language debate.

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