California's DNA Database Can Now Help Find the Living, Not Just the Dead

Executive Briefing

• Signs AB 2018 into law, Gov. Newsom broadens state's Missing Persons DNA Program beyond deceased-only identification
• Enables DNA database to identify living unknown individuals, expanding forensic resources for active investigations
• Retains relative DNA samples longer, allowing future identification if additional remains are recovered
• Targets disproportionate cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons as a key urgency driver
• Supports local task forces like Calaveras Cold Case Unit using advanced forensic DNA techniques