### Question
How does the law define State?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 14135*, **State** is defined as:

> a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 14135*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 136-VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT > SUBCHAPTER IX-STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT > Part A-DNA Identification**

