State Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, received the 2011 John and Reve Walsh Award for his DNA Database legislation, during the Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in the Capitol courtyard on Monday.

“It’s not me, this is for the Florida Legislature and the governor,” Snyder said.

The law, approved in 2009 and funded in the recent session, collects DNA samples from all suspects arrested for felonies in the state of Florida. Previously, DNA samples could only be taken at the time of conviction.

“Identifying the offender early, that’s really what the legislation is about,” said Snyder, who is foregoing a potential fourth term in 2012 to run for sheriff in Martin County. “Taking the DNA at the time of arrest does two things. Early detection. What happens if it’s a serious felony and they’re in jail for a year before they’re finally convicted? And it really helps exonerate innocent people. It gives us a database and we have the right DNA.”