Bill ends statute of limitations

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill Thursday that would end the statute of limitations on sex crimes where DNA evidence has been preserved. <br><br>``The accuracy of DNA evidence

Thursday, May 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill Thursday that would end the statute of limitations on sex crimes where DNA evidence has been preserved.

``The accuracy of DNA evidence when properly analyzed renders the use of a statute of limitations unnecessary in crimes such as rape and molestation,'' said Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, a former prosecutor.

The bill requires that DNA evidence be collected within seven years from the discovery of the crime. Proper collection of the DNA from the victim or crime scene would then remove the statute of limitations.

``This legislation will hand prosecutors a powerful tool in the prosecution of some of the worst crimes on the books,'' said Sen. Billy Mickle, D-Durant.

The bill will go to the governor if passed by the House.