{
  "id": "RL32469",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL32469",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 104405,
      "date": "2004-07-13",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-07T20:12:19.132149",
      "title": "The Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003 (H.R. 3214): A Section-by-Section Analysis",
      "summary": "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains an automated information processing\nsystem, the Combined DNA Index (CODIS), of DNA profiles of certain convicted criminals and\nDNA analyses of samples recovered from crime scenes, from unidentified human remains and from\nmissing persons. The National DNA Indexing System (NDIS), one of the three indexes that make\nup the CODIS, enables participating laboratories to exchange and compare state and federal DNA\nprofiles. State legislation has increased the number of qualifying offenses for which convicted\noffenders must submit DNA samples, such as offender samples, plus case samples from crime scenes\ncreating a bigger pool of DNA samples needing to be analyzed. As the pool increases and new\nsamples are collected the states are finding it difficult to complete the DNA analysis, therefore\nresulting in a backlog. On November 5, 2003 the House passed  H.R. 3214  aimed at\nmodernizing the laws relating to the use of DNA technology in the criminal justice system. The bill\nwould provide States with training, funding and guidelines aimed at eliminating the backlog.\n  Title I of the act would expand the eligibility provisions of the DNA Backlog Grant Program\nby adding \"units of local government\" as potential grantees and proposes to change the program to\na formula grant program. Among other things, it would expand the types of DNA records that may\nbe included in the CODIS to include records of persons who have been indicted or who have waived\nindictment for a crime, and would also broaden the list of federal and military qualifying offenses. \nFurthermore, it would increase the authorized funding levels for the DNA Analysis Backlog\nElimination program to $151 million annually. \n  Title II of the act would amend the DNA Identification Act of 1994 to require that laboratories\nthat provide DNA records for the CODIS be accredited by a nationally recognized non-profit\nprofessional association of forensic scientists within two years of the enactment of the act, and\nundergo external audits at least once every two years to show compliance with specified standards. \nIt provides for enhanced criminal penalties for knowing misuse or unauthorized disclosure of DNA\ninformation, and authorizes grants to be awarded for DNA training, education, research and\ndevelopment; sexual assault forensic examination programs; using DNA technology to identify\nmissing persons; and tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Additionally, it\nestablishes a new National Forensic Science Commission, expands the Paul Coverdell Forensic\nSciences Improvement Grant Program, and provides funds to the Federal Bureau of Investigation\nfor the administration of its DNA programs. \n  Title III would establish the rules governing the applications for post-conviction DNA testing\nby inmates in the federal system. It would require the preservation of biological evidence in federal\ncriminal cases while the inmate is in prison and would establish grants to states for improving the\nquality of capital litigation. Also, it would provide funds for post-conviction testing and increase\nthe compensation in federal cases for the wrongfully convicted. This report analyzes the version of\n H.R. 3214  that was referred to the Senate and will be updated as necessary.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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          "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/RL32469",
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      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "American Law",
    "Intelligence and National Security"
  ]
}