Gov. Roy Barnes Friday signed four bills authored by state Sen. Greg K. Hecht into law.

The Jonesboro Democrat represents the 34th Ditrict, which includes part of Fayette County.

The new laws cover the expansion of the DNA database for serious felons, the prevention of fraud and physical abuse upon elderly and disabled Georgians, the Mentoring Act of 2000, and consumer protection legislation dealing with cemetery and funeral home practices.

The DNA database legislation will put Georgia in the top five states in the country on the use of this advanced DNA technology. The database will allow law enforcement to track down unknown suspects such as burglars, murderers and other serious criminals if they leave saliva, blood, perspiration or any other bodily fluid at a crime scene.

In addition, the technology will assist in the exoneration of innocent citizens, Hecht said. Georgia Bureau of Investigation director Buddy Nix called this the most important forensic legislation for solving crimes in the last 40 years.

The funeral and cemetery consumer protection bill provides penalties against defrauding citizens in pre-need sales transactions and penalties for charging outrageous fees for placing markers at gravesites. In addition, the legislation requires cemeteries to maintain the perpetual care of gravesites, and the legislation disqualifies felons and persons in violation of fraud statutes from selling pre-need sales merchandise.

The Elder and Disabled Adult Protection Act puts forth penalties for misusing funds and property of disabled and elderly Georgians. The bill also penalizes care givers and long-term care facilities for denying sustenance to these Georgians.

The Georgia Mentoring Act begins a program of training, screening and recruitment of volunteers throughout the state to assist academically challenged students. The two other states putting this initiative forward have shown strong results in lowering the drop out rate, keeping children away from drugs, enhanced academic achievement, and better career opportunities for children receiving this assistance through such programs.

The bills were signed into law Friday morning at the state Capitol. “I am appreciative of this team effort,” said Hecht. “Many citizens, government officials and, most importantly, many citizens came forward to help us pass these bills, and I am indebted to every one of them.”