Expanding DNA Evidence Testing

The discussion of DNA testing of evidence for clearing persons convicted of murder and other crimes has become quite popular in recent years. More over, Texas appears to be battling this issue presently. An editorial article from the Dallas Morning News entitled, “Legislature, pass bill expanding access to DNA evidence testing” brings the more recent Texas cases into view. The editorial claims that, “Texas has a band of brothers the likes of which no other state can claim.” The statement is painting a picture of just how many innocent men are in jail due to lack of DNA testing technology during their time of trial. The editorial argues that in order to provide justice to these men, the legislature needs to pass a bill, which will allow DNA testing of evidence when there is a reasonable likelihood that biological DNA is present.  The editorial also claims that good modification could provide for courts to have a more linear path, and help combat against lethal or needless errors. I can agree with the Dallas Morning News editorial’s opinion. There should be new regulations establish for cases that were tried before a time of such technological advancements.  Cases over twenty, and even ten years old could benefit. Innocent men and women could be freed and the real criminal could possibly be brought to justice with the new DNA evidence.

Proposal to Limit Vaccine Exemptions in Texas

A recent article published by the Texas Tribune titled, Texas Republican Calls for Limiting Vaccine Exemptions, informs that a new piece of state legislation is being proposed as soon as next week. The proposal would put a limit on vaccine exemptions for public students. Currently, Texas state law requires all public students to receive required vaccines in order to attend school. Exemptions presently are allowed for religious or personal reasons. However, the new proposal plans to change those exceptions to strictly medical cases. The article also reports that recent cases of measles outbreak, spread by unvaccinated citizens, have been reported throughout the country. The article is worth taking a closer look. If this new state legislature passes, it could affect seventy-five percent of current public students that are unvaccinated legally under the current law.