“To establish a grant program for certain State and local forensic activities, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes a new Part PP in Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize grants for forensic genetic genealogy (i.e., DNA analysis using whole genome sequencing of at least 100,000 genetic markers compatible with law enforcement-permitted genealogical databases to generate investigative leads in criminal cases or for unidentified human remains). (1) DNA analysis grants (sec. 3062) are authorized for states, tribal or local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices with forensic labs, medical examiners' offices, and coroners' offices to conduct or outsource (to accredited labs or those pursuing accreditation within two years) analysis of samples where submission to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) failed, consistent with DOJ's 2019 Interim Policy on Forensic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching (or successor); $5 million is authorized annually for FY2024 through FY2028, limited to such analysis (with up to 10% for administrative costs). (2) Equipment purchase grants (sec. 3063) are authorized for publicly funded accredited forensic labs, medical examiners' offices, and coroners' offices to acquire equipment, supplies, reagents, consumables, and validation expenses for forensic genetic genealogy; $5 million is authorized annually for FY2024 through FY2028. (3) Administrative provisions (sec. 3064) authorize the Attorney General to issue regulations and require grant recipients to maintain records.
This section directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Laboratory Needs Working Group, to submit to Congress, not later than two years after enactment, a report on (1) awards and practices under section 3064 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as added by this Act); (2) forensic genetic genealogy technologies (i.e., DNA analysis using public genealogy databases to identify suspects via familial matches) and best practices for implementing them in publicly funded forensic laboratories; and (3) recommendations for such implementation, including expected funding needs, and necessary regulations.