HARRISBURG — People arrested for certain crimes in Pennsylvania would face mandatory DNA testing before they are tried — instead of only after they are convicted — under a bill a top ranking state senator advanced Tuesday.

“We need to make the best possible use of the rapidly evolving science of DNA evidence to help fight crime and ensure public safety,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware. “That’s not happening right now, and as a result criminals are going free and innocent people are in jail.”

The bill would require testing after a suspect’s preliminary hearing on any felony or any of more than a half-dozen misdemeanors, including indecent assault, child luring, unlawful restraint, concealment of a child’s death, dealing in infant children or assault on a child younger than 12 by an adult 21 or older.