The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica approved on April 10 new laws requiring the collection of DNA profiles from convicted individuals and the creation of a genetic database for sex offenders.
The new measures aim to strengthen the databases managed by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) through DNA collection. Lawmakers say these initiatives are intended to improve identification processes and help reduce repeat offenses within the justice system.
One of the approved bills, file number 24.341, is called the Law to Facilitate Identification of Individuals Involved in Criminal Acts Through DNA. It was proposed by Eliécer Feinzaig, a deputy from the Liberal Progressive Party. This law states that any person who has been convicted and wishes to receive prison benefits must undergo mandatory biometric data registration. The requirement applies to those seeking benefits such as electronic-monitored house arrest, parole, or temporary leave from prison. The Ministry of Justice and Peace will be responsible for collecting non-coding DNA samples.
According to project documents, “the main objective is to reduce recidivism and ensure that the penitentiary system keeps its identification database up-to-date.” The initiative passed with affirmative votes from 32 legislators; seven members from the ruling party voted against it.
A second bill, file number 24.327, focuses exclusively on creating a genetic database for individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Proposed by María Marta Carballo, a deputy from Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), this reform mandates that OIJ maintain a digital base with information on all adults who have received final convictions for such crimes.
Even after serving their sentences, individuals covered under this law will remain subject to monitoring by OIJ regarding sexual offense convictions. Genetic data collected under this measure will stay in official records for up to fifty years following completion of sentence terms.
This proposal was approved with affirmative votes from forty-two deputies; only ruling party member Manuel Morales voted against it.
