Topeka ? The idea of expanding the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s testing of DNA samples to include those arrested for certain serious crimes is being pushed by three lawmakers, and House Speaker Doug Mays says he could support the concept.

Rep. Pat Colloton, R-Leawood, said Tuesday the idea behind the bill is to require DNA testing of those arrested on charges involving drugs or violence. She said the testing would come after a hearing to determine whether a case should go forward.

Colloton said some studies show a correlation between violence, drugs and sex crimes.

“This would help in identifying sexual predators in cases where there is a crime scene with no known suspects,” Colloton said. “What is important about this evidence is there’s the chance to stop these criminals before they attack another person.”

Mays, who’s already backed other tough-on-crime legislation, said he likes the idea.

“We have to cross the T’s and dot the I’s and make sure it is workable and constitutional. But as a concept, I support it,” said Mays, R-Topeka.

Colloton said the bill would be modeled after a Virginia law, and there are similar statutes in Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

She and Reps. Terrie Huntington, R-Mission Hills, and Kay Wolf, R-Prairie Village, met Tuesday with KBI Deputy Director Kyle Smith and others at the agency to discuss the legislation and exchange ideas.

The proposal would be phased in over several years, and its costs depend on the final version and what it includes, Colloton said.

“It has a lot of potential, but we have to make sure we do it right,” Smith said. “They don’t want to pass legislation that we don’t have the resources for carrying out.”

But, he added, “If this gets a few more murderers and rapists off the streets, that is what we are all about.”

Colloton said the proposal would mandate destruction of a DNA sample and its removal from the KBI database if the person is acquitted or charges are dropped.