Everyone convicted of a felony in Massachusetts would be required to submit a DNA sample to the state's criminal database under a bill approved by the Massachusetts Senate on Thursday.

The House has already approved the bill.

Supporters of the plan say it will help police more quickly identify the guilty before they can commit new crimes. Currently the state only collects DNA samples from those convicted of violent felonies.

Expanding the database will also help investigators rule out suspects whose DNA does not match samples collected at crime scenes, backers said.

Critics say the bill, which was approved by the Senate by a 36-1 margin, is too broad and should be limited only to more serious felonies.

During a two-hour debate, senators rejected an amendment designed to exempt some felonies -- including the crimes of stealing poultry or forging railroad tickets -- from the list of crimes covered by the bill.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Mitt Romney said he backs the concept of expanding the state's DNA database.

"He believes we need to update our laws to take advantage of all the latest advances in science and technology," Romney press secretary Shawn Feddeman said. "We look forward to reviewing the legislation in more detail."

A spokeswoman for Gov. Mitt Romney said he backs the concept of expanding the state's DNA database.

Expanding the database is expected to cost about $3.6 million, although the state could receive federal reimbursement.