FRANKFORT — All violent felony offenders would give genetic samples for a crime-fighting database under a bill that easily passed the Kentucky Senate on Friday.

        Sen. David Karem said his bill would enhance a DNA databank that could benefit police, prosecutors and defense attorneys in solving crime. Everyone has DNA in their cells with a unique genetic code.

        “DNA can often be the best evidence,” said Mr. Karem, a Louisville Democrat.

        The bill passed the Senate 33-0 and goes to the House, where similar legislation cleared a committee and is awaiting action by the full House.

        Kentucky State Police would collect the DNA samples for indexing. The Corrections Department estimates the cost at about $48,000 a year.

        Originally, Mr. Karem's bill would have targeted all felons for genetic sampling. The Senate narrowed the sampling to violent felons to minimize the expense. Senators also delayed the start of sampling until July 2002 unless federal funds are obtained earlier. Mr. Karem backed the changes.

        The state's DNA database now includes only felony sex offenders.

        Last year, a Louisville man convicted of rape became the first Kentucky prisoner freed based on new DNA evidence. William Gregory's 70-year sentence was set aside after DNA evidence showed the hairs in a stocking cap worn by the rapist did not belong to him.

        Other bills passed by the Senate would:

        • Allow psychologists with master's degrees to have independent practices once they meet several standards. Such autonomy is now limited to psychologists with doctorates.

        Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Kelly, a Springfield Republican, said the intent is to overcome a shortage of psychologists offering counseling, especially for drug and alcohol abuse, in rural Kentucky.

        Sen. Julie Denton, a Republican from Louisville, countered that the bill might increase access, but not the quality of counseling being sought.

        The bill passed 31-3 and goes to the House.

        • Establish an advisory commission to enhance motorcycle safety.

        Sen. Dan Seum, a Republican from Louisville, said a $4 fee was added to motorcycle licenses nearly a decade ago to create safety programs for motorcyclists. Mr. Seum said such programs are hard to find, so the commission would try to jump-start the safety efforts.

        The bill passed 35-0 and advances to the House.

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