Tipton and King say New DNA Collection Law will Save Lives

Colorado today joins a growing list of states across the country that has implemented Katie’s Law.

Taking effect today in Colorado, Katie’s Law will institute the collection of certain DNA information from people who are arrested on felony charges.

Bill sponsors, Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, and Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, says that this new law will protect the public by clearing more open and cold cases than any other single piece of legislation in Colorado history. “DNA collection provides law enforcement with a powerful tool that they can use to positively identify suspects,” Tipton said. "DNA is the best evidence and I am excited that this law is going to save lives.”

Katie’s Law is named for murder victim Katie Sepich. New Mexico State University graduate student Katie Sepich was 22 when she was raped and murdered in 2003. Since then, Katie’s mother, Jayann Sepich, has advocated for stronger DNA collection across the U.S.
DNA evidence from the case was recovered from under her fingernails. Her killer was later arrested for burglary in another case. Only after his conviction was his DNA collected and a match made in the Sepich murder.

“Collection of DNA evidence is a scientific tool for justice,” King said. “This is an important step toward not only convicting those who are guilty, but freeing the innocents who have been wrongly accused.” The new law also contains provisions for the expunging of DNA records and destruction of the DNA evidence if a defendant is not convicted of a felony.

Rep. McNulty Earns Spirit of Independence Award

The Independent Bankers of Colorado Presents Representative Frank McNulty
With the Spirit of Independence Award

Vail, CO- The Independent Bankers of Colorado (IBC) awarded Representative Frank McNulty with its 2009 Spirit of Independence Award in Vail Colorado, during the annual membership convention.

The IBC’s Spirit of Independence Award acknowledges lawmakers who stand firm in support of what they believe, often in the face of intense pressure from opposing interest groups and partisan politics. Recipients of this award have a pulse on what is important to their constituents when negotiating key pieces of legislation and work to protect Coloradans.

Representative Frank McNulty serves House District 43, consisting primarily of the Highlands Ranch community. Representative McNulty works for a balanced, secure and responsible energy future that includes traditional, alternative, and renewable sources of energy.

He champions limited government, responsible water policies, and a budget that reflects Colorado’s diverse resources and economic sectors. “Representative McNulty has been a friend to independent community banks since joining the House of Representative in 2006,” said Barbara Walker, Executive Director of the Independent Bankers of Colorado. “He has been a dedicated supporter of the communities we serve, especially small businesses.”

This year, Representative McNulty sponsored key legislation supported by the IBC that establishes the Colorado Division of Housing as the official state foreclosure reporting entity. He led the opposition to the expansion of the Governor’s Energy Office ability to make direct consumer, small business and agricultural loans that undermine the ability of independent community banks and other private lenders to engage in traditional public private partnerships to multiply government funds and projects that support effective and sustainable local economic development.

The Independent Bankers of Colorado represent over 110 community banks doing business in over 500 locations throughout Colorado. The IBC believes in the enhancement and promotion of strong community banks and Main Street prosperity. It is the IBC mission to serve and promote local communities, small businesses, and family farm and ranches throughout Colorado.