HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers moved closer this week to mandating that DNA samples be collected from people who have been convicted of crimes, something supporters predict will help solve serious crimes.

The state House voted 157-32 for a bill that would require cheek swabs from those convicted of any first-degree misdemeanor and a list of 15 second-degree misdemeanors. Current law requires testing for those convicted of felonies and certain other offenses.

It was sent to the state Senate, where a nearly identical proposal is pending.