Arnold Ventures Welcomes New Legislation to Expand DNA Collection and Solve More Crimes in Missouri

Jefferson City, MO. (January 15, 2026) — Arnold Ventures (AV) applauds Senator Nick Schroer (R – District 2) and Representative Cameron Parker (R – District 150) for introducing legislation in Missouri that will expand current practices to require the collection of DNA for all felony arrests to solve more crimes and potentially exonerate innocent people.

In Missouri currently, DNA is only collected during certain felony arrests. Recent analysis of FBI data by the Council of State Government’s Justice Center suggests that less than 4 out 10 violent crimes reported to law enforcement in 2024 were solved. Expanding DNA collection can help law enforcement solve more violent crimes, including cold cases, help secure the release of people who may have been wrongly arrested or convicted, and, ultimately, improve public safety. Nineteen states, including Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, already collect DNA for all felony arrests. 

This legislation is overwhelmingly supported by Missourians. New polling commissioned by AV shows that over 80% of voters support expanding DNA collection to everyone who is arrested for a felony. The poll includes insights from 600 Missouri voters and was conducted October 7 – 11, 2025.

“This legislation builds on several existing efforts to raise clearance rates and improve public safety in Missouri by giving law enforcement the resources, technology, and tools they need to investigate and solve cases,” Senator Schroer says. ​“This includes the Violent Crime Clearance Grant Program that was created as part of HB 225, which was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Kehoe last year, and for which I am seeking funding in 2026.” 

“Missourians expect our criminal justice system to use every effective, proven tool available to keep communities safe and ensure justice is done,” says Representative Parker. ​“Expanding DNA collection for all felony arrests brings Missouri in line with 19 other states, strengthens law enforcement’s ability to solve violent crimes, and helps protect innocent people from wrongful arrest or conviction. This legislation is a commonsense step toward higher clearance rates and a safer Missouri.”

“As a survivor of rape, I know firsthand the lifelong impact of violent crime — and the importance of doing everything possible to prevent it from happening to others,” says Ashley Spence, founder of the DNA Justice project and author of Silent Witness. ​“Requiring DNA collection from individuals arrested for felony offenses is a commonsense public safety measure that helps law enforcement identify dangerous offenders, solve crimes faster, and stop repeat violence before more lives are harmed. DNA databases are not about politics; they are about protecting communities, holding perpetrators accountable, and giving survivors the justice and safety they deserve. This legislation is a critical step toward preventing future victims and making our communities safer for everyone.”

“Research shows that DNA is a powerful tool that can help law enforcement solve more crimes and reduce recidivism. Additionally, there is strong evidence that expanding DNA collection can deter crime by contributing to the swiftness and certainty that someone will be caught. With appropriate privacy safeguards, expanded DNA collection is a cost-effective way to improve public safety,” says AV’s Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice Jennifer Doleac.