A new law in California expands the use of DNA technology in missing persons investigations, allowing authorities to identify unknown individuals and revisit unresolved cases. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law last month, which loosens restrictions on the state's Missing Persons DNA Program. Previously limited to identifying deceased individuals, the program's database can now also be used to identify living unknown persons, enabling state forensic resources to assist in a broader range of investigations.
The program supports coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies in identifying missing or unknown individuals across California. State Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "Any missing person case — adult, child, MMIP, or otherwise — is one too many. No family should know the prolonged uncertainty of waiting for answers, and together we’re making it clear that California takes action."
Assemblymember James Ramos, who authored the legislation, emphasized that the changes will improve access to forensic identification resources for investigators and could provide answers to families who have waited years. The law also modifies how long certain DNA samples may remain in the state's system, allowing samples from relatives of missing persons to be retained if investigators believe additional related remains could be recovered. The expanded authority aligns with ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and forensic specialists in Northern California to utilize newer DNA-analysis techniques for cold cases.