New legislation regarding the processing of missing persons reports was signed into effect by Gov. Jon Corzine Wednesday.

As part of Patricia's Law, New Jersey will now require missing persons reports to be filed immediately. Additionally, DNA samples from family members will be taken after 30 days for comparison with unidentified victims from around the country.

The legislation, named after Patricia Viola, was signed in Bogota's Council chambers with senators, police officers and Viola's loved ones present. The law's namesake went missing in 2001. Her family says the woman suffers from epilepsy and may not remember her identity.Toinette Markowitz, Viola's best friend, has high hopes for the legislation.

"I'm hoping to God it's going to bring a lot of closure to a lot of people and hopefully stop or prevent something like this happening to somebody else," said Markowitz.

For more on Patricia?s Law, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

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