AB-2018 • 2026

Missing persons: DNA testing.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Ramos
Last action: 2026-04-15
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill does not provide specific details on how long DNA samples can be retained or the exact funding source beyond the current $2 increase on death certificates.

DNA Testing for Missing Persons

This law requires using DNA testing to help find missing people and identify unidentified bodies, allowing the Department of Justice to use new methods and keep some DNA samples longer if there is a chance more remains might be found later.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Justice to use a DNA database for all cases involving unidentified persons, whether they are alive or dead.
Allows the department to use other scientifically valid DNA testing methods to help identify people or find missing individuals.
Requires the department to protect genetic data and only use it for identifying missing or unidentified people.
Permits keeping some DNA samples from living people if there is a reasonable expectation that more remains might be found later.

Who It Names or Affects

The Department of Justice
People who are reported as missing
Unidentified bodies

Terms To Know

DNA database: A collection of DNA information used to help identify people or remains.
High-risk missing person: Someone who is reported as missing and whose safety is considered at risk.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how long the DNA samples can be kept.
It's unclear if there will be additional costs for maintaining the database beyond the current funding source.

Bill History

2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2026-03-18 California Legislative Information
In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2026-02-18 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 20.
2026-02-17 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2018, as amended, Ramos.
Missing persons: DNA testing.
Existing law requires the Department of Justice to develop a DNA database for all cases involving the report of an unidentified deceased person or a high-risk missing person and provides for the collection of DNA samples from unidentified deceased persons and from potential sources for comparison, as specified. Existing law requires that the database be funded by a $2 increase on death certificates issued by a local government agency or by the State of California. Existing law specifies the procedure for identifying the backlog of unidentified remains. Under existing law, all samples and DNA extracted from a living person are required to be destroyed after a positive identification is made and a report is issued, except as specified.
This bill would require the DNA database be used for all cases involving the report of an unidentified person,
whether living or
deceased. The bill would authorize the department to utilize other scientifically valid DNA testing methods and comparison procedures for the purpose of identifying an unidentified person or locating a high-risk missing person. The bill would require the department to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the genetic data be used and disclosed only in a manner consistent with, and designed to advance, the purposes of identifying an unidentified person or locating a high-risk
missing person.
deceased, and would delete provisions relating to the reporting of high-risk missing persons.
The bill would additionally authorize the retention of DNA extracted from a living person under these provisions if the identified human remains are incomplete and there is a reasonable expectation that additional remains requiring identification may be found in the future. The bill would also make conforming changes.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF