Pennsylvania § 2317 - Procedures for collection and transmission of DNA samples.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2317 — Procedures for collection and transmission of DNA samples., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2317. Procedures for collection and transmission of DNA samples.
(a) Collection of DNA samples.--
(1) Each DNA sample required to be collected pursuant to sections 2316 (relating to DNA sample required upon conviction, delinquency adjudication and certain ARD cases) and 2316.1 (relating to collection from persons accepted from other jurisdictions) shall be collected as follows:
(i) DNA samples from persons who are incarcerated or confined shall be collected at the place of incarceration or confinement as provided in section 2316 or 2316.1.
(ii) DNA samples from persons who are not ordered to be or are not currently incarcerated or confined shall be collected as provided in section 2316 or 2316.1 or at a prison, jail unit, juvenile facility or other facility specified by the court or supervising agency.
(iii) For DNA blood samples, only those individuals qualified to draw DNA blood samples in a medically approved manner shall draw a DNA blood sample to be submitted for DNA analysis.
(iv) DNA samples and the set of fingerprints provided for in paragraph (2) shall be delivered to the State Police within 48 hours of collecting the sample.
(2) In addition to the DNA sample, a full set of fingerprints shall be taken from the person from whom the DNA sample is being collected for the exclusive purpose of verifying the identity of such person.
(b) Limitation on liability.--Persons authorized to collect DNA samples under this section shall not be criminally liable for withdrawing a DNA sample and transmitting test results pursuant to this chapter if they perform these activities in good faith and shall not be civilly liable for such activities when the person acted in a reasonable manner according to generally accepted medical and other professional practices.
(c) Reasonable use of force.--Duly authorized law enforcement and corrections personnel may employ reasonable force in cases where an individual refuses to submit to DNA testing authorized under this chapter, and no such employee shall be criminally or civilly liable for the use of reasonable force.
(Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.896, No.147, eff. 360 days)
2018 Amendment. Act 147 amended the section heading and subsecs. (a) and (b).
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2317
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2317 cover?
Section 2317 ("Procedures for collection and transmission of DNA samples.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 2317?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2317" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 2317 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.