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S.F. No. 1725 - Accreditation of Forensic Laboratories (First Engrossment)
 
Author: Senator Ron Latz
 
Prepared By: Kenneth P. Backhus, Senate Counsel (651/296-4396)
 
Date: February 25, 2014



 

Section 1 adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299C (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension), addressing the accreditation of forensic laboratories.

Subdivision 1 defines “forensic analysis,” and “forensic laboratory.”

Subdivision 2, paragraphs (a) to (c), set forth an initial deadline of January 1, 2015, by which forensic laboratories that conduct forensic analysis in the disciplines of:

  • DNA - paragraph (a);
  • toxicology, identification of controlled substances, or trace evidence - paragraph (b); or
  • latent print, impression evidence, firearms, toolmarks, questioned documents, or bloodstain pattern analysis - paragraph (c)

must either (1) be accredited as specified; or (2) have begun the formal process for seeking accreditation and be following the standards necessary for accreditation.

Paragraph (d) provides a final deadline of July 1, 2015, for forensic laboratories to become accredited. Provides an exception for laboratories that began or resumed operation after a hiatus on or after July 1, 2011. These laboratories have an additional three years from the bill’s effective date or when they began operating, whichever is later, to become accredited, but must be seeking accreditation and following the standards necessary for accreditation.

Paragraph (e) addresses accredited forensic laboratories that wish to conduct forensic analysis in a new discipline. These laboratories have either one year (if the standard under which the laboratory is accredited applies to the new discipline) or three years (if it does not apply) to become accredited in the new discipline.

Paragraph (f) authorizes the commissioner of public safety to grant a one year extension for accreditation for laboratories described in paragraphs (d) and (e).

Paragraph (g) requires forensic laboratories to provide the commissioner of public safety with documentation relating to accreditation that must be posted on the department’s Web site. Specifies the commissioner’s duties relating to posting information.

Section 2 specifies the legislative intent behind the bill. Specifically states that no attempt is being made to dictate a court’s decision regarding the admissibility of forensic evidence or testimony or the weight that this evidence or testimony is given.

 

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