New Mexico Legislators Expand 'Katie's Law'

The New Mexico Legislature has given final approval to a measure expanding DNA testing for those arrested for any felony, marking a key victory for Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

The legislation will expand what's called "Katie's Law" in memory of Kathryn Sepich, a New Mexico State University student who was raped and murdered in 2003. Sepich's killer was identified more than three years later with DNA evidence after he was convicted of another crime.

Under a compromise reached late Friday, a DNA sample would be taken upon booking and remain unanalyzed until probable cause is established or the defendant fails to appear in court.

As KFOX 14 reported, there was some concern the law was going to take a big step back.

"It would weaken the current Katie's Law and we just can't have that. We wanted to make it stronger, not weaker," said Jayann Sepich, mother of Katie Sepich, in an interview with KFOX 14 on Sunday.

Jayann Sepich had been spending a lot of time in Santa Fe this legislative session, trying to expand the law that takes DNA samples of some felony offenders.