Search warrants; period of time to execute and return search warrants for DNA evidence, extended

Plain English Breakdown

The official text confirms the extension applies specifically to DNA reference samples for confirmatory forensic analysis based on CODIS leads; general 'forensic analysis' without this context was narrowed.

Extending Time Limits for DNA Search Warrants

This bill changes the law to allow police up to 60 days, instead of 10, to carry out search warrants specifically used to collect DNA reference samples linked to CODIS investigative leads.

What This Bill Does

• Keeps the current rule that most search warrants must be completed within 10 days after they are issued.
• Creates a new 60-day time limit for executing and returning search warrants meant to collect DNA reference samples.
• Applies this longer deadline only when police need DNA from an investigative lead found in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
• Keeps the rule that any warrant not finished within its specific time limit becomes void.

Who It Names or Affects

• Law enforcement officers who execute search warrants.
• Judges and magistrates who issue and receive returned warrants.
• Individuals from whom police seek to collect DNA reference samples for forensic analysis based on CODIS leads.

Terms To Know

Execute a warrant

The act of carrying out the search or collection ordered by the court document.

Return a warrant

Giving the completed warrant back to the judge who issued it after the work is done.

CODIS

The Combined DNA Index System, a database used by law enforcement for DNA records that can generate investigative leads.

Limits and Unknowns

• This change only applies to warrants for collecting DNA samples linked to CODIS leads; other search warrants still have the 10-day limit.
• The bill does not take effect until October 1, 2026.

Official Summary Text

Search warrants; period of time to execute and return search warrants for DNA evidence, extended

Current Bill Text

HB454 INTRODUCED
Page 0
HB454
QNYUV14-1
By Representative Lovvorn
RFD: Public Safety and Homeland Security
First Read: 12-Feb-26
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QNYUV14-1 02/12/2026 CMH (L)CMH 2026-461
Page 1
First Read: 12-Feb-26
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, a search warrant must be
executed and returned to the issuing judge or
magistrate within 10 days after the date of issuance. A
search warrant not returned within this time period is
void.
This bill would provide that if the search
warrant is for the collection of a DNA reference
sample, the period of time to execute and return the
search warrant would be extended to 60 days.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to search warrants; to amend Section 15-5-12,
Code of Alabama 1975, to extend the authorized period of time
to execute and return a search warrant for the collection of a
DNA reference sample.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. Section 15-5-12, Code of Alabama 1975, is
amended to read as follows:
"§15-5-12
(a) A search warrant must be executed and returned to
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HB454 INTRODUCED
Page 2
(a) A search warrant must be executed and returned to
the judge or the magistrate by whom it was issued within as
follows:
(1) Within 10 days after its date ; or
(2) Within 60 days after its date for the collection of
a DNA reference sample for confirmatory forensic analysis,
pursuant to an investigative lead generated from a search of
the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) ; if not executed after
such time, it .
(b) A search warrant not executed and returned in
accordance with this section is void."
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2026.
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