113 S2177 IS: Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act
U.S. Senate
2014-03-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
1.Short title; table of contents(a)
This Act may be cited as the
Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act
.
(b)The table of contents for this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Purpose.
TITLE I—Structure and oversight
Sec. 101. Office of Forensic Science.
Sec. 102. Forensic Science Board.
Sec. 103. Committees.
Sec. 104. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II—Accreditation of forensic science laboratories
Sec. 201. Accreditation of forensic science laboratories.
Sec. 202. Standards for laboratory accreditation.
Sec. 203. Administration and enforcement of accreditation program.
TITLE III—Certification of forensic science personnel
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Certification of forensic science personnel.
Sec. 303. Standards for certification.
Sec. 304. Administration and review of certification program.
Sec. 305. Support and technical assistance for State and local laboratories.
TITLE IV—Research
Sec. 401. Research strategy and priorities.
Sec. 402. Research grants.
Sec. 403. Oversight and review.
Sec. 404. Public-private collaboration.
TITLE V—Standards and best practices
Sec. 501. Development of standards and best practices.
Sec. 502. Establishment and dissemination of standards and best practices.
Sec. 503. Review and oversight.
TITLE VI—Additional responsibilities of the office of forensic science and the forensic science
board
Sec. 601. Forensic science training and education for judges, attorneys, and law enforcement
personnel.
Sec. 602. Educational programs in the forensic sciences.
Sec. 603. Medicolegal death investigation.
Sec. 604. Intergovernmental coordination.
Sec. 605. Anonymous reporting.
Sec. 606. Interoperability of databases and technologies.
Sec. 607. Code of ethics.
Sec. 608. Needs assessment.
2.In this Act:(1)The term Board means the Forensic Science Board established under section 102(a).(2)The term Committee means a committee established under section 103(a)(2).(3)The term Director means the Director of the Office.(4)Forensic science disciplineThe term forensic science discipline shall have the meaning given that term by the Director in accordance with section 102(h).(5)Forensic science laboratoryThe term forensic science laboratory shall have the meaning given that term by the Director in accordance with section 201(c).(6)The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology.(7)The term Office means the Office of Forensic Science established under section 101(a).(8)The term relevant personnel shall have the meaning given that term by the Director in accordance with section 301(b).3.The purpose of this Act is to strengthen and promote confidence in the criminal justice system by
promoting standards and best practices and ensuring scientific validity,
reliability, and accuracy with respect to forensic testing, analysis,
identification, and comparisons, the results of which may be interpreted,
presented, or otherwise used during the course of a criminal investigation
or criminal court proceeding.<enum>I</enum><header>Structure and oversight</header><section id="id9bdba363148a425ba463960cfbede888"><enum>101.</enum><header>Office of Forensic Science</header><subsection id="ide2b17d2c94f847c182e5d43ae0ea9af0"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>There is established an Office of Forensic Science within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General
in the Department of Justice.</text></subsection><subsection id="idf9290c0a79e944918c0b867faacaabcc"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Officers and Staff</header><paragraph id="idfdb2ea4b60ad419786353fcdf094e1b7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Office shall include—</text><subparagraph id="id0138fc16d1e44e19bcdd4d49f814bb62"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a Director, who shall have a background in science and be appointed by the Attorney General; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id079e330540fa4c7c9748f94560b0d49e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such other officers and staff as the Deputy Attorney General and the Director determine
appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idaca42e4092fb4a1f8f7c7a8965679980"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Leadership role of the Director</header><text>The Director shall have primary responsibility for establishing and implementing national policy
regarding forensic science as used in the criminal justice system.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id6bef04332bfb48a7a4006adc1b3102ab"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the initial appointment and
hiring under paragraph (1) shall be completed.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idd16d730b00914f06882c29900419d242"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Vacancy</header><text>In the event of a vacancy in the position of Director—</text><paragraph id="id7ef6d6ce60b34cc1a417556b52bc2f95"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the Attorney General shall designate an acting Director; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id930fa08563584c6e8e4c7716937e5092"><enum>(2)</enum><text>during any period of vacancy before designation of an acting Director, the Deputy Attorney General
shall serve as acting Director.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id5844b0d09fa04f0292e349ce02af03f5"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Collaboration and coordination with NIST</header><paragraph id="id241649407fe04642aa49644b370198a8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the appointment of the Director, the Director and the Director of
NIST shall establish a
Memorandum of Understanding to ensure collaboration and coordination in
the implementation of this Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc447b1a8425b42259fb5e3de3710a9bb"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The Memorandum of Understanding required under paragraph (1) shall include—</text><subparagraph id="idC4F5FF70897A4D5DB134E420EE2C08C0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>policies and procedures to ensure that, in
implementing this Act, the Director and the Director of NIST—</text><clause id="id7B5905EC5B2B4142A8AC0FE72F284BE2"><enum>(i)</enum><text>incorporate appropriately the priorities and
expertise of law enforcement and forensic practitioners; and</text></clause><clause id="idC8AF9409F83B4EEDB6A0261872B7DD80"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establish
structures designed to guarantee independent and objective scientific
determinations; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8ED8B698F2464D73A0516FB78DECDDC3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>agreements governing—</text><clause id="idab2dade8664848c1bcb44e4fd50e9269"><enum>(i)</enum><text>selection of members of Committees and support by NIST of the Committees in accordance with section
103;</text></clause><clause id="id3b5a53e8a4214b78a498af52fd436aa1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>administration by NIST of grant programs described in
section 402;</text></clause><clause id="id51977946c36a4537bed8f06e7a2fac88"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>designation of a liaison at NIST to facilitate
communication between the Office and NIST; and</text></clause><clause id="id16a074b2ba194151986c7bc6a70c26c3"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>any other appropriate collaboration or coordination.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id7ea6de8367654746af3acd573bc63fed"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Liaison from the national science foundation</header><text>The Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Director, shall designate
a liaison at the National Science Foundation to—</text><paragraph id="idD7B52B2F30A74FFE97EEEF1FEE7554A2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>facilitate communication
and collaboration between the Office and the National Science Foundation;
and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id225BEEECC93E442DA0E05227A5C881A5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>encourage participation by the National Science Foundation in
implementing title IV of this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idd37484a15eda47fbb19824d9a2a0ac77"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Duties and authority</header><paragraph id="id4d5f7f213cac48d385399b1b9d5c017b"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Office shall—</text><subparagraph id="id7e0e4d6a3d414fc4ad9deb46b56e0874"><enum>(A)</enum><text>assist the Board in carrying out all the functions of the Board under this Act and such other
related functions as are necessary to perform the functions of the Board;
and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1e5b78b859824c3494e8a9f7fb0d20b9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>evaluate and act upon the recommendations of the Board in accordance with paragraph (3).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idcd98132df8864da6924556aefbd7f496"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Specific responsibilities</header><text>The Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="id250d1fdd92ae49d387e480493f937820"><enum>(A)</enum><text>establish, lead, and oversee implementation of accreditation and certification standards under
titles II and III;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id63daadad29744f0cb27fbd05b049bd01"><enum>(B)</enum><text>establish a comprehensive strategy for scientific research in the forensic sciences under title IV;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id450e94d6093045c29e9d8133a9461d2c"><enum>(C)</enum><text>establish standards and best practices for forensic science disciplines under title V;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida151d939f19b448c8d7b3932414a48db"><enum>(D)</enum><text>define the term <term>forensic science discipline</term> for the purposes of this Act in accordance with section 102(h);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida16f86f9533c46158137c2470715878c"><enum>(E)</enum><text>establish and maintain a list of forensic science disciplines in accordance with section 102(h);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0243d4b602484bc18192566a3e29f9fc"><enum>(F)</enum><text>establish Committees in accordance with section 103;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4600de2f07744c78a97027f16ac62de5"><enum>(G)</enum><text>define the term <term>forensic science laboratory</term> for the purposes of this Act in accordance with section 201(c);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idb457d90cfb084d158ad33f8912aa17b4"><enum>(H)</enum><text>establish a code of ethics for the forensic science disciplines in accordance with section 607; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9c091b855cfe4011a8aaed76c9d8798f"><enum>(I)</enum><text>perform all other functions of the Office under this Act and such other related functions as are
necessary to perform the functions of the Office described in this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idd809389d3c0c4661aa30e26bf42110ba"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Consideration of recommendations</header><subparagraph id="id8e3d8645c65246ceb11e7a1e342f3425"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Upon receiving a recommendation from the Board, the Director shall—</text><clause id="id2b9236e589a84f33835e2b7cc13bbf77"><enum>(i)</enum><text>give substantial deference to the recommendation; and</text></clause><clause id="id009e1897919644a78a6154e3e3d89057"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not later than 30 days after the date on which the Director receives the recommendation, determine
whether to adopt, modify, or reject the recommendation.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id793b5ee6d0524dbfa06998103e909b41"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Modification</header><clause id="id33a190ca567b46f1b4d7189f3754574d"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Director determines to substantially modify a recommendation under subparagraph (A), the
Director shall immediately notify the Board of the proposed modification.</text></clause><clause id="id37f9cb4f155e4a578c3ac7f12155f413"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Board recommendation</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Director provides notice to the Board under
clause (i), the Board shall submit to the Director a recommendation on
whether the proposed modification should be adopted.</text></clause><clause id="id9429961c68c04a03b94eb61d5a065bf9"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Acceptance of modification</header><text>If the Board recommends that a proposed modification should be adopted under clause (ii), the
Director may implement the modified recommendation.</text></clause><clause id="idcac90226d3014c2b89256af8bef8faef"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Rejection of modification</header><text>If the Board recommends that a proposed modification should not be adopted under clause (ii), the
Director shall, not later than 10 days after the date on which the Board
makes the recommendation—</text><subclause id="id4952750319d04633afe6c69b7a65291e"><enum>(I)</enum><text>provide notice and an explanation of the proposed modification to the Committee on the Judiciary
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Science, Space,
and
Technology of the House of Representatives; and</text></subclause><subclause id="idcf22e68751034d1186d2cd40d343cbcd"><enum>(II)</enum><text>begin, with regard to the proposed modification, a rulemaking on the record after opportunity for
an agency hearing.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="iddde7b4ffc6a34cd490e8c3f6f69284a5"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Rejection</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Director determines to reject a recommendation
under subparagraph (A), the Director shall—</text><clause id="id8db48d77ae654592bc6cb0ec52c55948"><enum>(i)</enum><text>provide notice and an explanation of the decision to reject the recommendation to the Committee on
the Judiciary and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives; and</text></clause><clause id="idf91f66eb15354fe39d29401d4af03c24"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>begin, with regard to the recommendation, a rulemaking on the record after opportunity for an
agency hearing.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id92b88ce1dbe54fd297d40f0829422f08"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Web site</header><text>The Director shall—</text><paragraph id="id936708cccd674ad7b5db3e6caedd6e07"><enum>(1)</enum><text>establish a Web site that is publicly accessible; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id5796a6c7e5f248bd9768ae5ae960b2da"><enum>(2)</enum><text>publish and maintain on the Web site—</text><subparagraph id="idF7E6226BC9B54EDEBDEE6519BAFB1581"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a central repository of recommendations of the Board and all standards, best
practices, protocols, definitions, and other materials established,
accepted, or amended, by the Director under this Act; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC6FF1936EA7E4080893C35E3D6ECE2CB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a central repository of current and past forensic science research, which shall be—</text><clause id="id444E57B48D854734BF3C94923C065D7A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>collected and catalogued in a manner that is easily accessible to the public; and</text></clause><clause id="id261585211CAA4F61A89C1818E336C46F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>updated no less frequently than once every 2 years.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id966cfa6e8a95499dbd91d4ba12ba5040"><enum>102.</enum><header>Forensic Science Board</header><subsection id="id11e231f077c545e5b547fb439a5c4e61"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>There is established a Forensic Science Board to serve as an advisory board regarding forensic
science in order to strengthen and promote confidence in the criminal
justice system by promoting standards and best practices and ensuring
scientific validity, reliability, and accuracy with respect to forensic
testing, analysis, identification, and comparisons, the results of which
may be interpreted, presented, or otherwise used during the course of a
criminal investigation or criminal court proceeding.</text></subsection><subsection id="id2d63eb39d5394838aa7aaa99e164a95e"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Appointment</header><paragraph id="idedde1590e831458d8f161f6d52a9113f"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Board shall be composed of 17 members, who shall—</text><subparagraph id="id9359b0d90123404b9493d9bcb28dc43a"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be appointed by the President not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idbbd30d5745894e5482685bb54a2229a9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>come from professional communities that have expertise relevant to and significant interest in the
field of forensic science.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idf9753f2e4ea445b5b765ba527b3f3b65"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration and consultation</header><text>In making an appointment under paragraph (1), the President shall—</text><subparagraph id="idcf2f85b9d4ea41ba9582ba9b63d1a676"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider the need for the Board to exercise independent and objective scientific judgment; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id30bd494992914464884fa752643b4c68"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider, among other factors, membership on the National Commission on Forensic Science and
recommendations from leading scientific organizations and leading
professional organizations in the field of forensic science and other
relevant fields.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idb45fd6c1f7b640f086b6b36ac8137898"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The Board shall include—</text><subparagraph id="idD5DFA65BF15545EA8B38B09561A8A992"><enum>(A)</enum><text>11 voting members;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB8689A13AC564047AD8285A84A2D2668"><enum>(B)</enum><text>6 nonvoting members; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE7C771D6FD964CF5A8B73BED55CF2F02"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the ex officio members described in paragraph (7).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0c6587104e8f48838d1c5e454f587b71"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Voting member requirements</header><subparagraph id="id543708D349924D1C8FADF4E31A7DDA96"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Of the 11 voting members—</text><clause id="id4E373475A881403FA31E44B361CFBE3A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>each shall have comprehensive scientific backgrounds;</text></clause><clause id="id0842ee2f31104b669219d97a6781fefe"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not fewer than 6 shall have extensive experience and background in scientific
research;</text></clause><clause id="id25f665854cdb48dbabdfd19492fca21b"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>not fewer than 6 shall have extensive and current practical experience and background in
forensic science; and</text></clause><clause id="id1a035ffe549b4d66a0ac5542103b19c1"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>not less than 1 shall be a board certified forensic pathologist.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id47bce5e7e5ee4cac957d5b0d195d69a0"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Multiple requirements</header><text>An individual voting member may meet more than 1 of the requirements described in clauses (ii)
through (iv) of subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id928085fb6da44e10a136031b4118a866"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Nonvoting members</header><text>One nonvoting member shall come from each of the following categories:</text><subparagraph id="idb6f58dd9c1274f0dbfc874bf650fb299"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Judges.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id70f7ce2694ce492c9764845a1b8fbc7d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Prosecutors.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5a1550eb0abb4a88aebe55f3f0f631d4"><enum>(C)</enum><text>State and local law enforcement officials.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id461cccd5943a4e08860d70484aedbcc4"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Criminal defense attorneys.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idbcf0050bacba40e2934310df5c2c52b9"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Organizations that represent people who may have been wrongly convicted.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7dbf4d45c73643e9afdb11bef5541f2e"><enum>(F)</enum><text>State and local laboratory directors.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id07f7f71f178a47938598b9e0f7330240"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Fulfillment of multiple requirements</header><text>An individual who fulfills the requirements described in paragraph (4) may serve as a voting member
even if that individual also fulfills a requirement described in paragraph
(5).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7e2afa30d99a477e941af31905160a43"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Ex officio members</header><text>The Director, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Directors of NIST and the National Science
Foundation, or their designees,
shall serve as ex officio members of the Board and shall not participate
in voting.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7c00e23b617f4f4d84959c5c9415ebd5"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Appointment of board chairperson</header><text>The President shall designate a voting member of the Board to serve as Chairperson of the Board
for the
duration
of that member’s term.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idbddae5b79c8e4c03af97739dbc53d56c"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Terms</header><paragraph id="idba6106ab44e847a79d66ff33acb57842"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Each voting and nonvoting member of the Board, excluding ex officio members, shall be appointed
for a term of 6 years.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idf116eb64d5c646e38e95ac9188395d38"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><text>Of the members first appointed to the Board—</text><subparagraph id="id2119bea5d2684639909a623cbe5ad54c"><enum>(A)</enum><text>3 voting members and 2 nonvoting members shall serve a term of 2 years;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idadbf75991ff447029ef419060130262e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>4 voting members and 2 nonvoting members shall serve a term of 4 years; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idb03568458b14438d98a2c03eeefd2226"><enum>(C)</enum><text>4 voting members and 2 nonvoting members shall serve a term of 6 years.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id10707db235084fa79aa2b14a6dc8eacc"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Renewable term</header><text>A voting or nonvoting member of the Board may be appointed for not more than a total of 2 terms,
including an initial term described in paragraph (2).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id929a7f8e92504c599e8ae27670265713"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Vacancies</header><subparagraph id="id0e7d624f769540bbafdd9611d348d77f"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the event of a vacancy, the President may appoint a member to fill the remainder of the term.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide9ea1f4b6077477c91480d2a51a5cd60"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Additional term</header><text>A member appointed under subparagraph (A) may be reappointed for 1 additional term.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idd88b02c043dc437e9ed61613bddf8bdd"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Holdovers</header><text>If a successor has not been appointed at the conclusion of the term of a member of the Board, the
member of the Board may continue to serve until—</text><subparagraph id="id8db700a1275c49cd9b475e9fce0e2d40"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a successor is appointed; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd14a64894f4542678c396e4328c85412"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the member of the Board is reappointed.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ida827eeac603f41a099f36d925be6c13e"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Responsibilities</header><text>The Board shall—</text><paragraph id="id5de32a8a582745d6ade8d980373c0fd0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>make recommendations to the Director relating to research priorities and needs, accreditation and
certification standards, standards and protocols for forensic science
disciplines, and any other issue consistent with this Act;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idcb716fe79b4946008f2807a9a4b54612"><enum>(2)</enum><text>monitor and evaluate—</text><subparagraph id="idc6924b10a4b04acb86716e0ca91f964d"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the administration of accreditation, certification, and research programs and procedures
established under this Act; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id50aec3735f6e4b9191f6f5db9553b18e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the operation of the Committees;</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id1215ed8b1447474f8427084540952d6d"><enum>(3)</enum><text>review and update, as appropriate, any recommendations made under paragraph (1);</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id5f998af9e5314f70832b4f77441f9d09"><enum>(4)</enum><text>identify, as appropriate, any additional issues that 1 or more Committees should consider; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idf0a59462b3f94ce2ae7669066a2d8c19"><enum>(5)</enum><text>perform all other functions of the Board under this Act and such other related functions as are
necessary to perform the functions of the Board.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idb22cec2569ed4e36b49e288762f607a8"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text>The Board shall consult as appropriate with the Deputy Attorney General, the Director of NIST, the
Director of the
National Science Foundation, the Director of the National Institute of
Justice, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the Director of the National Institutes of Health, senior officials from
other relevant Federal agencies including the Department of Defense, and
relevant officials of State and local governments.</text></subsection><subsection id="idcd19fd3a19104f83891ede98a9ee9307"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Meetings</header><paragraph id="id645dec311c2f4039b33ab67932003a88"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Board shall hold not fewer than 4 meetings of the full Board each year.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idfe4f8be23e984c3c99b74c0760a695bb"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><subparagraph id="ide7b731a3322e4ff2b18aa237177ce834"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Notice</header><text>The Board shall provide public notice of any meeting of the Board in a reasonable period in
advance of
the meeting.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida1f86e7947d64e6ba271a8bc0b26fb90"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Open meetings</header><text>A meeting of the Board shall be open to the public.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id113bb7062d6e4ddf9b5bcd442ae7144e"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Quorum</header><text>A majority of the voting members of the Board shall be present for a quorum to conduct business.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id1a0a718c82df48cc8251f303daec86c8"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Votes</header><paragraph id="id46f5f724aa81415a8c37ebfdd4ebf744"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Decisions of the Board shall be made by an affirmative vote of not less than <fraction>2/3</fraction> of the
members of
the Board voting.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="ide098cd4d8bc648bb9026489ad2a8fbb8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Voting procedures</header><subparagraph id="idf54611b6c32642cfbc845d3c3ac0c415"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Recorded</header><text>All votes of the Board shall be recorded.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1a55ad30d18e442eac6510686d65a1c2"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Remote and proxy voting</header><text>If necessary, a voting member of the Board may cast a vote—</text><clause id="idfdecd26085ae4a84962e7c12939900af"><enum>(i)</enum><text>over the phone or through electronic mail or other electronic means if the vote is scheduled to
take place during a time other than a full meeting of the Board; and</text></clause><clause id="ide2023c406f8344edbdafd0c85a07e4f0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>over the phone or by proxy if the vote is scheduled to take place during a full meeting of the
Board.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idbef3032ff8e1455eae80c00ceccb6e3a"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Definition of forensic science discipline</header><paragraph id="id0e30c60cc89f48159387264c3b3fc74f"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall—</text><subparagraph id="id788d6ba4ba88455aa0f1b1c18c51893d"><enum>(A)</enum><text>develop a recommended definition of the term <term>forensic science discipline</term> for purposes of this Act, which shall encompass disciplines with a sufficient scientific basis
that involve forensic testing, analysis, identification, or comparisons,
the results of which may be interpreted, presented, or otherwise used
during the course of a criminal investigation or criminal court
proceeding;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idbdb90f131da4438aa1f378a134a1f5e2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>develop a recommended list of forensic science disciplines for purposes of this Act; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id70d27f9db64248cdadca017bb73a46be"><enum>(C)</enum><text>submit the recommended definition and proposed list of forensic science disciplines to the
Director.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ide83e9fc6798649c2b9bfbb8fb90b5cba"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In developing a recommended list of forensic science disciplines under paragraph (1)(B), the Board
shall—</text><subparagraph id="id8c635763e32d4ce0a23173fd7eeb21a0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider each field from which courts in criminal cases hear forensic testimony or admit forensic
evidence; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf1aaefa4374042b4b0ac75eccc1d2281"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consult with relevant practitioners, experts, and professional organizations.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id155d74e88a7540a08d2f778972afa730"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Exclusion from list</header><text>If the Board recommends that a field should not be included on the list submitted under paragraph
(1) because the field has insufficient scientific basis on the date of the
recommendation of the Board, the Board shall publish an explanation of the
recommendation, which—</text><subparagraph id="idfd6103e59a744e5a8fc6e066a689fc9e"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall be published on the Web site of the Board; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf79a24fff90043ef9199050b827fc3db"><enum>(B)</enum><text>may include a finding that a field could be recognized as a forensic science discipline for
purposes of this Act, based on additional research.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id6fe91437e81549c59847ea84eb0840b4"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish a definition for
the term <term>forensic science discipline</term>, and shall establish a list of forensic science disciplines.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc2576a653d0d47c2b7f684303ab3c644"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Annual evaluation</header><text>On an annual basis, the Board shall—</text><subparagraph id="iddacdfc75186246348cc0bd4480325535"><enum>(A)</enum><text>evaluate—</text><clause id="id77b82c1c6db24cbb8b6adcbbe0392878"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether any field should be added to the list of forensic science disciplines established under
paragraph (4), including any field previously excluded; and</text></clause><clause id="id29ba5f939fe849b7b42adcb2b9f50248"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether any field on the list of forensic science disciplines established under paragraph (4)
should be modified or removed; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7939ec0e70964a31bc0189aae102306a"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit the evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A), including any recommendations, to the
Director.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idb4e5c76f4cad4d52b99f2d73460ecd41"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Staff</header><paragraph id="ida7fc3614decf42a291c6ae3eda44eb03"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Board may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate a
staff director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to
enable the Board to perform the duties of the Board.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8cc950a9bfd44df695ee865ca029c47e"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compensation</header><text>The Board may fix the compensation of the staff director and other personnel appointed under
paragraph (1) without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/5/53">chapter 53</external-xref> of title 5, United States Code, relating to
classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that
the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not
exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under
section 5316 of such title.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc1019a9ff3a44ef6a5a3d19926655922"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Personnel as Federal employees</header><subparagraph id="id21a11e3e2c014f5f820cebc3444f69fc"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any personnel of the Board who are employees shall be employees under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/5/2105">section 2105</external-xref> of title 5,
United States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87,
89, 89A, 89B, and 90 of that title.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id65131f9636814615b78838873794fd46"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Members of the board</header><text>Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed to apply to members of the Board.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id98ba0a9b33c041dcb8183bd26e5b1143"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Procurement of temporary and intermittent services</header><text>The Board may procure temporary and intermittent services under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/5/3109">section 3109(b)</external-xref> of title 5, United
States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the
Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9e1bc7f8fd4d472ea2c4edc42b1517a6"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Voluntary services</header><text>Notwithstanding <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/31/1342">section 1342</external-xref> of title 31, United States Code, the Board may accept and use
voluntary and uncompensated services for the Board as the Board determines
necessary.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id975af033101047f6970da9d130fc68b7"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Reports to congress</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the
Board shall submit to Congress a report describing the work of the Board
and the work of each Committee, which shall include a description of any
recommendations, decisions, and other significant materials generated
during the 2-year period.</text></subsection><subsection id="idf40d58c2ca694c68b7101cf13583e7aa"><enum>(k)</enum><header>Applicability of the Federal advisory committee Act</header><paragraph id="id0b87e5c0973e4caca01eaaf77aacb59d"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4), the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
apply
to the Board.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="ide1a656657b5e4df8a430978d816deca3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Termination provision</header><text>Section 14(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
Board.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idcefefefaacce450ab7f8f0d76159ea98"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Compensation of members</header><text>Members of the Board shall serve without compensation for services performed for the Board.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9b97f9fd8acc4ab488469d74d53c2ea0"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Travel expenses</header><text>The members of the Board shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under
subchapter I of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/5/57">chapter 57</external-xref> of title 5, United States Code, while away from
their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services
for the Board.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id95fc2bf0afe746beb251bdbfcb561a8f"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Designated Federal officer</header><text>In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="idced28ecc3558421fb02b493a207cb209"><enum>(A)</enum><text>serve as the designated Federal officer (as described in section 10(e) of such Act); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id398ec5684c82455d8926909d1924d0e8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>designate an Advisory Committee Management Officer (as described in section 8(b) of such Act) for
the Board.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idFCD4B845C85A429FB01E56707CE91A87"><enum>(l)</enum><header>Transfer and consolidation of National Commission on Forensic Science</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first meeting of the Board occurs, the Attorney
General or the Director of NIST, as the case may be, shall transfer to the
Office, control, supervision, and any unobligated balances available for
the operation of the National Commission on Forensic Science or any
national commission that has a similar scope or responsibility to the
Office.</text></subsection></section><section id="id58c92587ec064db2ab55a069ed63b186"><enum>103.</enum><header>Committees</header><subsection id="id44514f1e87bd463e957b518e1ad7073f"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment and maintenance of committees</header><paragraph id="id480ab8ce35a049ddaba2d283df02529d"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall issue
recommendations to the Director relating to—</text><subparagraph id="id4f82e876a14f41d8afb381c36fcf1b9b"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the number of Committees that shall be established to examine research needs, standards and best
practices, and certification standards for the forensic science
disciplines, which shall be sufficient to—</text><clause id="id7e927580b5eb4837a77e82af46cc3483"><enum>(i)</enum><text>ensure that the Committees are representative of each forensic science discipline; and</text></clause><clause id="ida08ebd8cadf249df826b3f16ad4856a6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>allow the Committees to function effectively;</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idc8370b702252416b83a481b3ca67eca6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the scope of responsibility for each Committee recommended to be established, which shall ensure
that each forensic science discipline is addressed by a Committee;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2e39f6d3771a4cc6a3f6fd6781ec9e8e"><enum>(C)</enum><text>what the relationship should be between the Committees and any scientific working group, scientific
area committee, guidance group, or
technical working group that has a similar scope of responsibility; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0aca24131c5f4e4a8c1641da20455a40"><enum>(D)</enum><text>whether any Committee should consider any field not recognized as a forensic science discipline for
the purpose of determining whether there is research that could be
conducted and used to form the basis for establishing the field as a
forensic science discipline.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idd9bdf8d5b2634919a90894d331a0da25"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director, in
consultation with the Director of NIST shall—</text><subparagraph id="id614EA8AB8D834760A2E40E05163FD3E4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider how to adapt and incorporate any scientific working group, scientific area committee,
guidance group, or technical working group operating under the Department
of Justice or NIST into a Committee;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida8cbef6e4bd5454db1a25225e949c2f2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish—</text><clause id="idb3454fe7a87748af9fd42f9df1c33ae6"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Committees to examine research needs, standards, best practices, and certification standards
for the forensic science disciplines, which shall be not fewer than 1; and</text></clause><clause id="ida41e7475cdf34c3ab4e45939595a51ac"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a clear scope of responsibility for each Committee; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id887805203a0a483eb11a44e1f675ea9c"><enum>(C)</enum><text>publish a list of the Committees and the scope of responsibility for each Committee on the
Web site
for the Office.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id48f104363301414992a3e6daea229530"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Annual evaluation</header><text>The Board, on an annual basis, shall—</text><subparagraph id="id79515a219d5347dea4a8040e7c960304"><enum>(A)</enum><text>evaluate whether—</text><clause id="id62370f571ade46a0a4bb20e537b5505a"><enum>(i)</enum><text>any new Committees should be established;</text></clause><clause id="id555e5106b0524b62b73e5103766fcec3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the scope of responsibility for any Committee should be modified; and</text></clause><clause id="idea8fa9afcb894375b70b82cd0093ccf0"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>any Committee should be discontinued; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idfe5b5d1464ab43f2bba8535a3e887fba"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit any recommendations relating to the evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A) to the
Director.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id3ac51784fcf64858bc478d99658b5d27"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>Upon receipt of any recommendations from the Board under paragraph (3), the Director shall, in
accordance with section 101(f)(3), determine whether to establish, modify
the scope of, or discontinue any Committee.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id5CEEB806D091400594B28139A2AEF1A3"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Transfer and consolidation of scientific and technical working groups</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first meeting of a Committee occurs, the
Attorney General or the Director of NIST, as the case may be, shall
transfer to the Office, control, supervision, and any unobligated balances
available for the operation of any scientific working group, scientific
area committee, guidance group, or technical working group
that has a similar scope or responsibility to the Committee.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id8fb545b0d76642beb83df15a06302cc1"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Membership</header><paragraph id="ida021ed3c7e924b66a2a02a37e8bcd7e9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Each Committee shall—</text><subparagraph id="id02d30a9c745a409691e9bc5b5f1c2bec"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consist of not more than 21 members—</text><clause id="idd5bf0b4ffb9541de8fe8b17b6e2c1bd1"><enum>(i)</enum><text>each of whom shall be a scientist with knowledge relevant to a forensic science discipline
addressed by the Committee;</text></clause><clause id="id351c7e13227e42f8a7f69bc2dd99a624"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not less than 50 percent of whom shall have extensive experience and background in scientific
research; and</text></clause><clause id="id1287dc6e0a444746ab952707a846aaba"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>not less than 50 percent of whom shall have extensive practical experience and background in the
forensic
sciences sufficient to ensure that the Committee has an adequate
understanding of the factors and needs unique to the forensic sciences;
and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id17060a0a4e2c459cb5b64a2ea2ee3a8e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>have a membership that represents a variety of scientific disciplines, including the forensic
sciences.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idb766f821c04f42548603212f2a6147b4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>In this subsection, the term <term>scientist</term> includes—</text><subparagraph id="ida7bf12d7d36444278356431cde7ab03c"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a statistician with a scientific background; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id146a63b563174862bef4ded0f9683c5f"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a board certified physician or forensic pathologist with expertise in forensic sciences.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id0637a5e72f6a4e26a2471c26ded157a7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Appointment</header><paragraph id="idf266da55be93464e8b29759c8a78f111"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director of NIST, in close coordination with the Board
and the Director and pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding required
under section 101(d), shall appoint the members of each Committee.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idebf70b9ce3124a0d9b6c306a57486644"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In appointing members to a Committee under paragraph (1), the Director of NIST shall consider—</text><subparagraph id="id9c2ad8c3efc84ba09e9e600c4836bce8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the importance of analysis from scientists with academic research backgrounds in both basic and
applied sciences; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id54eb0e8d0b12462fa98fa325eca3be64"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the importance of input from experienced and actively practicing forensic practitioners, including
individuals who participated in scientific working groups, scientific area
committees, guidance groups, or technical working groups.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ida1eb6084ac7e4e938acf77bd4b297603"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Vacancies</header><text>In the event of a vacancy, the Director of NIST, in consultation with the Board and the Director,
may appoint a member to fill the remainder of the term.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id94d292c6d03e459393fcdc0634680657"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Holdovers</header><text>If a successor has not been appointed at the conclusion of the term of a member of the Committee,
the member of the Committee may continue to serve until—</text><subparagraph id="idab59906f2f314262bbcf8e9aa2d65287"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a successor is appointed; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf061f43c87514c6181412e9ea295ed17"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the member of the Committee is reappointed.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idefd0763583f14fbe8185eb4231fef911"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Terms</header><text>A member of a Committee shall serve for renewable terms of 4 years.</text></subsection><subsection id="id911a2c28a20c4d4187036145a6836093"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Support and Oversight</header><paragraph id="id5e7f12bc1d554c1a9770c6460434bee6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding required under section 101(d), the Director of NIST, in
consultation with the Director, shall provide
support and staff for each
Committee as needed.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idff2f218acf9349cbaab6bb8a36dd8907"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Duties and oversight</header><text>The Director of NIST, in consultation with the Director, shall—</text><subparagraph id="id37a86e9809c0434fa8bcf85918e6ec20"><enum>(A)</enum><text>perform periodic oversight of each Committee; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idb8cc613ee1f941bd803d28528873c53b"><enum>(B)</enum><text>report any concerns about the performance or functioning of a Committee to the Board and the
Director.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idcf0b0e5d40514638aeb9079c5bf92eaf"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Failure to comply</header><text>If a Committee fails to produce recommendations within the time periods required under this Act,
the Director of NIST, in consultation with the Director, shall work with
the Committee to assist the Committee
in producing the required recommendations in a timely manner.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2ee795e2708a403d8daf6bb8a49531e4"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Duties</header><paragraph id="ida8244229d0ce4f078fc1407e42005379"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A Committee shall have the duties and responsibilities set out in this Act, and shall perform any
other functions determined appropriate by the Board.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idafc6535f9d914c688a9473a05e8c3e2b"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Committee decisions and recommendations</header><subparagraph id="idddc15f191aa240d880d28d12875f0fb6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A Committee shall submit recommendations and all recommended standards, protocols, or other
materials developed by the Committee to the Board for evaluation.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0c22d0df646a46fa8a9b78754f6e066d"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Prohibition of modification of decisions and recommendations</header><text>Any recommendations of a Committee and any recommended standards, protocols, or other materials
developed by a Committee may be approved or disapproved by the Board, but
may not be modified by the Board.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7a8c4d02d7ea4138b7d0bc83e9478f95"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Approval of decisions and recommendations</header><text>If the Board approves a recommendation or recommended standard, protocol, or other material
submitted by a Committee under subparagraph (A), the Board shall submit
the recommendation or recommended standard, protocol, or other material as
a recommendation of the Board, to the Director for consideration in
accordance with section 101(f)(3).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf4e01d5885b140258544dfa29b39a251"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Disapproval of decisions and recommendations</header><text>If the Board disapproves of any recommendation of a Committee or recommended standard, protocol, or
other material developed by a Committee—</text><clause id="ided9b0fd182af4deda61e10e3186bc830"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Board shall provide in writing the reason for the disapproval of the recommendation or
recommended standard, protocol, or other material;</text></clause><clause id="ide758a28b81ec435b9aa94a757ea15e67"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Committee shall withdraw the recommendation or recommended standard, protocol, or other
material; and</text></clause><clause id="id2a5b9c1048bf436ba5c40d952a015e84"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the Committee may submit a revised recommendation or recommended standard, protocol, or other
material.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idc2f980bbbbd84501b01e216da8be7627"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Meetings</header><paragraph id="id053f176b55984a3a8e2408f09e5e18b3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A Committee shall hold not fewer than 4 meetings of the full Committee each year.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idd4d748ecddcf4a42b934c6139cfa1835"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><subparagraph id="idd4559284256c4e929f75920b59edffa7"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Notice</header><text>A Committee shall provide public notice of any meeting of the Committee a reasonable period in
advance of the meeting.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd8a38da09e474671acf6fb5be829e555"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Open meetings</header><text>A meeting of a Committee shall be open to the public.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idc97700a28a5b444cbe84e9df6a99768a"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Quorum</header><text>A majority of members of a Committee shall be present for a quorum to conduct business.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="iddf02e57f3fb64cfc803dfa32e6b23b2b"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Votes</header><paragraph id="id5b7bfc7d604a43488e43d1b2562571ec"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Decisions of a Committee shall be made by an affirmative vote of not less than <fraction>2/3</fraction> of the
members of the Committee voting.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id59040b6a92ba42828e5f395fa5d6d1b6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Voting procedures</header><subparagraph id="id5bf7499b92004cf8acd4476787cab131"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Recorded</header><text>All votes taken by a Committee shall be recorded.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5d4beddad7214cd6963e89001450e8c2"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Remote and proxy voting</header><text>If necessary, a member of a Committee may cast a vote—</text><clause id="id922f55778eea43d1a021be7beb9b384c"><enum>(i)</enum><text>over the phone or through electronic mail if the vote is scheduled to take place during a time
other than a full meeting of the Committee; and</text></clause><clause id="id75a487bd4bed4c3eb281225b07bcb7e6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>over the phone or by proxy if the vote is scheduled to take place during a full meeting of the
Committee.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idcdf14052ed274eb7a653d66a489724ea"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Applicability of the Federal advisory committee Act</header><paragraph id="id2a9b7a16d32147b69a212012a7cf0737"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to a Committee.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id11aea8b660034fc1bbd7b2241e30667f"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compensation of members</header><text>Members of a Committee shall serve without compensation for services performed for the Committee.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id88eab930b517400b81e389d13a430132"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Travel expenses</header><text>The members of a Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under
subchapter I of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/5/57">chapter 57</external-xref> of title 5, United States Code, while away from
their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services
for the Committee.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id4b34efae8c8644588bf3482a0f801022"><enum>104.</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There are authorized to be appropriated, including from any unobligated funds appropriated to the
Department of Justice and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology for the operation of a scientific working group, scientific
area committee, guidance group, or technical
working group transferred under section 103(a)(5), and including any
unobligated funds appropriated to strengthen and enhance the practice of
forensic sciences under any other provision of law, $8,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2015 through 2019 for the operation and staffing of the
Office, Board, and Committees.</text></section><enum>II</enum><header>Accreditation of forensic science laboratories</header><section id="id4ea3b59cc7574cb2a848bfa8ba9ac4b7"><enum>201.</enum><header>Accreditation of forensic science laboratories</header><subsection id="id04fdd5b4de9647fb81713765ce12faae"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In General</header><text>On and after the date established under subsection (b)(2)(E), a forensic science laboratory may not
receive, directly or indirectly, any Federal funds, unless the Director
has verified that the laboratory has been accredited in accordance with
the standards and procedures established under this title.</text></subsection><subsection id="id1a38a3e52e394b92858254b95bbce90f"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Procedures for accreditation</header><paragraph id="id521f039642824f51a78eef7ec36c75ce"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director—</text><subparagraph id="id848c3edeab10499d87ebd81e81fdfea0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a comprehensive strategy to enable forensic science laboratories to obtain and maintain
accreditation;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2852b6b051854858b24f13c4d500f9b1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>recommended procedures for the accreditation of forensic science laboratories that are consistent
with the recommended standards developed by the Board under
section 202;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id370304aa05c34d8a99f759a1d18e1b09"><enum>(C)</enum><text>recommended procedures for the periodic review and updating of the accreditation status of forensic
science laboratories;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8e5901915f4a4290b62bc594c8e9ef63"><enum>(D)</enum><text>recommended procedures for the Director to verify that laboratories have been accredited in
accordance with the standards and procedures established under this title,
which shall include procedures to implement, administer, and coordinate
enforcement of the program for the accreditation of forensic science
laboratories; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idc63f2ee1f55f4948be8f94b9729a430a"><enum>(E)</enum><text>a recommendation regarding the dates by which forensic science laboratories should—</text><clause id="id33dfa02dd03b4c59992311aa2ede3c6a"><enum>(i)</enum><text>begin the process of laboratory accreditation; and</text></clause><clause id="id15cca0523ad141a28b5f017cd3bd1316"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>obtain verification of laboratory accreditation to be eligible to receive Federal funds.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idf41b58531e884d9c89e8e17bc0cb4c55"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish—</text><subparagraph id="id88ee276c59e049cd92e010d83d13cf40"><enum>(A)</enum><text>procedures to implement a comprehensive strategy to enable forensic science laboratories to obtain
and maintain accreditation;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id848a0730a8124e319508258559f8603b"><enum>(B)</enum><text>procedures for the accreditation of a forensic science laboratory;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0ecd76732d3145f39720cd754d0f928f"><enum>(C)</enum><text>procedures for the Director to verify that laboratories have been accredited in accordance with the
standards and procedures established under this title;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6ef368e663ed4640ba8b231966bfece1"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the date by which a forensic science laboratory shall begin the process of accreditation; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idcd2929104d7b46f586f9c68b43ba5c7b"><enum>(E)</enum><text>the date by which a forensic science laboratory shall obtain verification of laboratory
accreditation to be eligible to receive Federal funds.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idccc3a801c5d54d9c9b2005e88d4f88d6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Consideration of appropriations</header><text>In determining, recommending, and establishing the dates under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Board
and Director shall consider whether funding has been appropriated pursuant
to section 305 and other relevant Federal grant programs to sufficiently
assist and support laboratories in obtaining accreditation under this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idfaeb05506c72496c904df072954bc408"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Definition</header><paragraph id="id67fecc0bd43b4b42a9b060b0055f9e65"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall recommend to the
Director a definition of the term <term>forensic science laboratory</term> for purposes of this Act, which shall include any laboratory that conducts forensic testing,
analysis, identification, or comparisons, the results of which may be
interpreted, presented, or otherwise used during the course of a criminal
investigation or criminal court proceeding.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8df6f63808064a05b79581bce3ed5564"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendation of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish a definition for
the term <term>forensic science laboratory</term>.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id9e478de5a9794d9b8bdc77cd1205c0c6"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Applicability to Federal agencies</header><text>On and after the date established by the Director under subsection (b)(2)(E), a Federal agency may
not use any forensic science laboratory, including any
services, products, analysis, opinions, or conclusions provided by the
forensic science laboratory, during the course of a criminal investigation
or criminal court proceeding unless the forensic science laboratory meets
the standards of accreditation and certification established by the Office
under this Act.</text></subsection></section><section id="id6cbe271422ad40bf9d1c5cd3b70aa2ef"><enum>202.</enum><header>Standards for laboratory accreditation</header><subsection id="id8b084cd66705455cb1ac54dbf4df3344"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Standards</header><paragraph id="id97d19b23a1e24954a74cf7db1ebd68e9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall, in consultation
with qualified professional organizations, submit to the Director
recommendations regarding standards for the accreditation of forensic
science laboratories, including quality assurance and quality control
standards, to ensure the quality, integrity, and accuracy of any testing,
analysis, identification, or comparisons performed by a forensic science
laboratory for use during the course of a criminal investigation or
criminal court proceeding.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id132047ea03e645f9acb8a04de0ffca50"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish standards for the
accreditation of forensic science laboratories.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8c66d87636ec4dc1b429df06fdd36e7a"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In recommending or establishing standards under paragraph (1) or (2) the Board and the Director
shall—</text><subparagraph id="idc15bd41ded5a4b218b518b09a6b062aa"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider—</text><clause id="id48f40d9e8127421aae494cc92ac9e606"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether any relevant national or international accreditation standards that were in effect before
the date of enactment of this Act would be sufficient for the
accreditation of forensic science laboratories under this Act;</text></clause><clause id="id24e421e6327f4092b2649f481913b93c"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether any relevant national or international accreditation standards that were in effect before
the date of enactment of this Act would be sufficient for the
accreditation of forensic science laboratories under this Act with
supplemental standards; and</text></clause><clause id="ida4c80f813f7c48408b574be3b3fa6ad4"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the incorporation of relevant national or international accreditation standards that were in effect
before the date of enactment of this Act; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide0e782447a674ad2978a9f9f2708fe73"><enum>(B)</enum><text>include—</text><clause id="id99085a4eb77f4d65aaf7759b5be42b76"><enum>(i)</enum><text>educational and training requirements for relevant laboratory personnel;</text></clause><clause id="id4db45e3c18bb4c688c6fc69ce6264d47"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>proficiency and competency testing requirements for relevant laboratory personnel; and</text></clause><clause id="idd39462ccfe744d7ca1d12867b7a066fd"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>maintenance and auditing requirements for accredited forensic science laboratories.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id5fba5f53d6cc4bbcbb08fead51f8752c"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Review of Standards</header><paragraph id="id657f4f078855471681b26a08b38dbbbc"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years—</text><subparagraph id="ide061b8ff56e14eb08217a736bb8123c8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Board shall—</text><clause id="id23da54fab7f24aeea15fa39bc69c13e2"><enum>(i)</enum><text>review the scope and effectiveness of the accreditation standards established under subsection (a);</text></clause><clause id="id35619d00da314b58ade7c559c65a1edc"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>submit recommendations to the Director relating to whether, and if so, how to update or supplement
the standards as necessary to—</text><subclause id="id4fe65309cd904c7d9ac6c2e05e2bf321"><enum>(I)</enum><text>account for developments in relevant scientific research, technological advances, and new
forensic science disciplines;</text></subclause><subclause id="id4f7791e259d945d19ea6470c2222a193"><enum>(II)</enum><text>ensure adherence to the standards and best practices established under title V; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id7f7290775e99497890c2f641d79f9228"><enum>(III)</enum><text>address any other issue identified during the course of the review conducted under clause (i); and</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idc34e6f66ed0b48eda7fa1f53180cd2e7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Director shall, as necessary and in accordance with section 101(f)(3), update the accreditation
standards established under subsection (a).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idfb056537094a4512aef52b8fe9b815c7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Procedures for open and transparent review of standards</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall establish procedures to ensure that the process
for developing, reviewing, and updating accreditation standards under this
section—</text><subparagraph id="id463c0f5733fd4e039b812fa664419f64"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is open and transparent to the public; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1276bc88d4f045299194203769feaa40"><enum>(B)</enum><text>includes an opportunity for the public to comment on proposed standards with sufficient prior
notice.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id8fad61e508524d1c88e88d48c4efa19e"><enum>203.</enum><header>Administration and enforcement of accreditation program</header><subsection id="id042da146222b449d93f05b1330ecec0b"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Administration and oversight of accreditation program</header><paragraph id="idec883e8af08c4c0db1aff2cd000db406"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall determine whether a forensic science laboratory is eligible to receive, directly
or indirectly, Federal funds under section 201(a).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idbf3682d47c394a35a4c56d08a0496c89"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Administration</header><subparagraph id="idfbd6550c2e9a46509a7a758ffd6cd73d"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall, in consultation with the Board and as appropriate, identify 1 or more qualified
accrediting bodies with significant expertise relevant to the
accreditation of forensic science laboratories, the accreditation of a
forensic science laboratory by which shall constitute accreditation for
purposes of section 201(a).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida56a4eec3ca7437183382e7e31ce5caf"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director shall periodically—</text><clause id="id55BDE21FB1A4481284ABBD142997B859"><enum>(i)</enum><text>reevaluate whether accreditation by a qualified accrediting body
identified under subparagraph (A) is adequate to ensure compliance with
the standards and procedures established under this title; and</text></clause><clause id="idB9D41305DBE749E583B55E826DA2B201"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>recommend
updates to the standards and procedures used by 1 or more qualified
accrediting bodies, as necessary.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd7cb4c02d6bf43ee9952b353b7a2148f"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The Director shall provide to the Board, and publish on the Web site of the Office, regular reports
regarding—</text><clause id="id6F667DC77F3442EE86DB48C3F39F5D7A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the accreditation of forensic
science laboratories by qualified accrediting bodies identified under
subparagraph (A); and</text></clause><clause id="id995B667B2E8C4D4F8157CF0044B2B0E4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>reevaluations of accreditation by qualified
accrediting bodies under subparagraph (B).</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id98c2b62f0e94416587a26c22bd136db7"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Review of eligibility</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Director shall evaluate whether a forensic science
laboratory that has been determined to be eligible to receive Federal
funds under section 201(a) remains eligible to receive Federal funds,
including whether any accreditation of the forensic science laboratory by
a qualified accrediting body identified under subparagraph (A) is still in
effect.</text></subsection><subsection id="id70e8e4ab31b6448aa9b0199702909578"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Web site</header><text>The Director shall develop and maintain on the Web site of the Office an updated list of—</text><paragraph id="ide4133efae91c4116a16301ee3d2969f8"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the forensic science laboratories that are eligible for Federal funds under section 201(a);</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc1ec48384fa445928933b924bd3326ca"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the forensic science laboratories that have been determined to be ineligible to receive Federal
funds under section 201(a); and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id54f65255fe8d4d9391b97d04cc281211"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the forensic science laboratories that are awaiting a determination regarding eligibility to
receive Federal funds under section 201(a).</text></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>III</enum><header>Certification of forensic science personnel</header><section id="id8482611c2c364d7b91c4d582a3364158"><enum>301.</enum><header>Definitions</header><subsection id="idcd1aa2fd27604f93b6d4ce40f4cdde90"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Covered entity</header><text>In this title, the term <term>covered entity</term> means an entity that—</text><paragraph id="id2c07130a776e4823a85c11e6b127732f"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is not a forensic science laboratory; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="ide524f8d898794f3296137da880901b42"><enum>(2)</enum><text>conducts forensic testing, analysis, investigation, identification, or comparisons, the results of
which may be interpreted, presented, or otherwise used during the course
of a criminal investigation or criminal court proceeding.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ida92baa87a5e34a38a580e53aa42aed53"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Relevant personnel</header><paragraph id="id1da0e05b77ed44048f9c0bdb79119d92"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director a recommended definition of the term <term>relevant personnel</term>, which shall include all individuals who—</text><subparagraph id="id9de036f127a645acb5dd3380d20eb855"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conduct forensic testing, analysis, investigation, identification, or comparisons, the results of
which may be interpreted, presented, or otherwise used during the course
of a criminal investigation or criminal court proceeding; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id685c5dfbe0d64eaabc441fb1aec373b7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>testify about evidence prepared by an individual described in subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0eba2ba167864f699eb6562c3f88dc63"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendation of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), define the term <term>relevant personnel</term> for purposes of this title.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="idb940564e36654c1e9ec6a6cad6ebf4f2"><enum>302.</enum><header>Certification of forensic science personnel</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Except as provided in section 304(c)(2), on and after the date established under section 304(c)(1),
a forensic science laboratory or covered entity may not receive, directly
or indirectly, any Federal funds, unless all relevant personnel of the
forensic science laboratory or covered entity are certified under this
title.</text></section><section id="id6df13ef214d14472b951a338687a482a"><enum>303.</enum><header>Standards for certification</header><subsection id="idd1285f8692af4489a221eba3a12f1253"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommended Standards</header><paragraph id="id40e522d592c34c45adb84027f2dbaf8b"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date on which all members of a Committee have been appointed, the
Committee shall make recommendations to the Board relating to standards
for the certification of relevant personnel in each forensic science
discipline addressed by the Committee.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8df622bc540b46759e145145a01c1095"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In developing recommended standards under paragraph (1), a Committee shall—</text><subparagraph id="idecb643090c544082932b107924fef0c1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consult with qualified professional organizations, including qualified professional organizations
that accredit forensic science certification programs;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3e9d85b24f4b493bb1feb08fcc7507d9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider relevant certification standards and best practices developed by qualified professional or
scientific organizations;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id51b228ca54a84b42bd976ba9e7e2b474"><enum>(C)</enum><text>consider whether successful completion of a certification program accredited by a qualified
professional organization would be sufficient to meet the certification
requirements for relevant personnel under this Act;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idad176129550d4586bf672e67430f1bad"><enum>(D)</enum><text>consider whether and under what circumstances internal certification programs by accredited
laboratories would be sufficient to meet the certification requirements
for relevant personnel under this Act;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id00137c33175c45998720c728548a7271"><enum>(E)</enum><text>consider any standards or best practices established under title V; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide0558b9a8106436a9b4c9ecf6c1e68a6"><enum>(F)</enum><text>consider—</text><clause id="idce9d1b66704647e888b49ba4bf7bd0c5"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether certain minimum standards should be established for the education and training of relevant
personnel;</text></clause><clause id="ida13cdd9fe6344f5084774487e49c51fb"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether there should be an alternative process to enable relevant personnel who were hired before
the date established under section 304(c)(1), to obtain certifications,
including—</text><subclause id="id0a94a59f62cf4fa2ac5661dc495d5872"><enum>(I)</enum><text>testing that demonstrates proficiency in a specific forensic science discipline that is equal to or
greater than the level of proficiency required by the standards for
certification; and</text></subclause><subclause id="iddd415196f4d145fbb9667957a73aacfa"><enum>(II)</enum><text>a waiver of certain educational and training requirements;</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id30466297dcca4ef58b2795a1a73d327b"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>whether and under what conditions relevant personnel should be allowed to perform an activity
described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 301(b)(1) for a forensic
science laboratory or covered entity while the individual obtains the
training and education required for certification under the standards
developed under this title; and</text></clause><clause id="id378290c0a7974b97b9099aebb46e662b"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>whether certification by recognized and relevant medical boards, or other recognized and relevant
State professional boards, should be sufficient for relevant personnel to
meet the standards developed under this title.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idfd0ec58055184168838e2dead9df6549"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Approval or denial of recommendations</header><text>The Board shall approve or deny any recommendation submitted by a Committee under subsection (a) in
accordance with section 103(f)(2).</text></subsection><subsection id="iddc4e706fb9ec472e9e1b993b3f029698"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Establishment of standards</header><text>After the Director receives recommendations from the Board under subsection (b), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish standards for the
certification of relevant personnel.</text></subsection><subsection id="idb3481942571e4b35a3b737e34fd135e1"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Review of standards</header><paragraph id="idf87822b138f740a7955beddc7365051f"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years, a Committee shall—</text><subparagraph id="id735412f4ebf0418482df1d1e190bb15b"><enum>(A)</enum><text>review the standards for certification established under subsection (c) for each forensic science
discipline within the responsibility of the Committee; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8c2bf3bfc8b6430f9e12f1a33b07a004"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit to the Board recommendations regarding updates, if any, to the standards for certification
as necessary—</text><clause id="id960b8fcc704b4026ba7e4fc91c97bee3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to account for developments in relevant scientific research, technological advances, or changes in
the law; and</text></clause><clause id="id4410c7309c864f0eb8f35c3515a453dc"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to ensure adherence to the standards and best practices established under title V.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idc6b065d0e5554ec09737fb80ee1678a5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Board review</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date on which a Committee submits recommendations under paragraph
(1)(B), the Board shall, in accordance with section 103(f)(2)—</text><subparagraph id="idd763c15ab5b2425ba10e042f311cd6c2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider the recommendations; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9b34cb0fb16146aca1c2596e7f5f8c01"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit to the Director recommendations of standards and best practices for each forensic science
discipline.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idd7c03786abfb44888f9a952bfbe320f2"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>After the Director receives recommendations from the Board under paragraph (2), the Director shall,
in accordance with section 101(f)(3), update the standards for
certification of relevant personnel.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id8ef53ced7d5c4df58606d2bc31833c36"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Public comment</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall establish procedures to ensure that the process
for establishing, reviewing, and updating standards for certification of
relevant personnel under this section—</text><paragraph id="idbbeffcdea728407386e73e22a7c89b91"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is open and transparent to the public; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="ideedcefc6f80043e8a8a6f698ad132841"><enum>(2)</enum><text>includes an opportunity for the public to comment on proposed standards with sufficient prior
notice.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id02f4d472ba754765a578b179c4b981ce"><enum>304.</enum><header>Administration and review of certification program</header><subsection id="id188a4600656847e68fc77852f3a96efe"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><paragraph id="idbe2cfaa308e94aa98dcb7094894c7d52"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Determination</header><text>The Director shall determine whether a forensic science laboratory or covered entity is eligible to
receive, directly or indirectly, Federal funds under section 302.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3f671ee128154a87b6f69cd565fa6394"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Procedures</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish
policies and procedures to implement, administer, and coordinate
enforcement of the certification requirements established under this
title, including requiring the periodic recertification of relevant
personnel.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id86ed59a5f3a3476289cc071f291eaf61"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Administration</header><paragraph id="idb2952386c583426f963c6e39f4eef32a"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>After consultation with the Board, the Director may identify 1 or more qualified professional
organizations with significant expertise relevant to the certification of
individuals in a particular forensic science discipline, the certification
of an individual by which shall constitute certification for purposes of
section 302.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id11be1c17b4424668bebf44cf8b7eaba2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director shall periodically reevaluate whether certification by a qualified professional
organization identified under paragraph (1) is adequate to ensure
compliance with the standards established under this title.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id56946a8db0e94750a4a61a8e4cb1fcfe"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The Director shall provide regular reports to the Board regarding the certification of relevant
personnel by qualified professional organizations identified under
paragraph (1) and reevaluations of certification by qualified professional
organizations under paragraph (2), which shall be published on the Web
site
of the Office.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id313722649c0242bfa95083c3c22a7e2a"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Implementation of certification requirements</header><paragraph id="id2755ae47fe8c41d7bc604e03a0b4832e"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>After consultation with the Board, the Director shall establish the date by which forensic science
laboratories and covered entities shall be in compliance with the
certification requirements of this title.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3377ce860088468282c69dc40861fef4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Gradual implementation</header><text>The Director shall, in consultation with the Board and the relevant Committee, establish policies
and procedures to enable the gradual implementation of the certification
requirements that—</text><subparagraph id="id7f1b9c3138cd4797a17e01f515f7b427"><enum>(A)</enum><text>include a reasonable schedule to allow relevant personnel to obtain certifications;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id96e5a1967ab046a498ea0bea811ec9bd"><enum>(B)</enum><text>allow for partial compliance with the requirements of section 302 for a reasonable period of time
after the date established under paragraph (1); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id18ec285f8162442fb88db8fd7d43ea03"><enum>(C)</enum><text>allow for consideration of whether funding has been appropriated pursuant to section 305 and other
relevant Federal grant programs to sufficiently assist and support
forensic science laboratories and covered entities in complying with the
certification requirements of this title.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id63268aab2a174cbbb6b6aa54765b7bdc"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Review of certification requirements</header><text>The Director shall establish policies and procedures for the periodic review of the implementation,
administration, and enforcement of the certification requirements
established under this title.</text></subsection></section><section id="id78f04e8e139c4bf1b27199bd6cbaa04d"><enum>305.</enum><header>Support and technical assistance for State and local laboratories</header><subsection id="id35d4c7ff397a446b8bac61813203da2d"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Implementation plan</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Institute of Justice, in consultation with the Director, shall develop a
plan for assisting and supporting forensic science laboratories and
covered entities in
obtaining accreditation under title II and certifications for relevant
personnel under this title.</text></subsection><subsection id="idc9b35e9ef90e4f33884dd3992ef7af4c"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Authorization for use of Coverdell and Byrne JAG grants</header><text>The Attorney General, in consultation with the Director and the Director of the National Institute
of Justice, and consistent with the implementation plan developed under
subsection (a), may make grants under part BB of the Omnibus Crime
Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/3797j">42 U.S.C. 3797j et seq.</external-xref>) and subpart
1 of part E of such Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/3750">42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.</external-xref>), and provide technical
assistance to forensic science
laboratories and covered entities, to ensure that forensic science
laboratories and
covered entities are able to—</text><paragraph id="id7f6e349689344463abd289263d3aa4e9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>obtain accreditation under title II;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id0a881592db1e4f9c9e8d78564acd06ac"><enum>(2)</enum><text>obtain certifications for relevant personnel under this title; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idbaf533a63d8f40c0acc7f5bde817fdfa"><enum>(3)</enum><text>effectively fulfill their responsibilities during the process
of obtaining accreditation under
title II and certifications for relevant personnel under this title.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id0AD751D5092747A5B77F3D537B7866F3"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Technical and conforming amendments</header><paragraph id="idC3048EDC96D64A479ABDE08FEFB40EEB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grants Program</header><text>Section 2804(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/3797m">42 U.S.C. 3797m(a)</external-xref>) is
amended by adding at the end the following:</text><quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7DBA46CC068E495BA474FB4A2420C838" style="OLC"><paragraph commented="no" id="id6858FF454ABA413DBF93898398E1D7DE"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To assist forensic science laboratories and covered entities, as those terms are defined in
sections 2 and 301, respectively, of the <short-title>Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act</short-title>, in
obtaining accreditation under title II of such Act and certifications for
relevant
personnel under title III of such Act, in accordance with section 305 of
such Act.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph><paragraph id="id8FA9BA71B08D41D1A5649AB9797AD2D1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program</header><text>Section 501(a)(1) of
the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
3751(a)(1))
is amended by adding at the end the following:</text><quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC0220AA3F31140EAAA7293F49B5D4F23" style="OLC"><subparagraph commented="no" id="idF77E4C7970B74056B46D45C912542634"><enum>(H)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assistance to forensic science laboratories and covered entities, as those terms are defined in
sections 2 and 301, respectively, of the <short-title>Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act</short-title>, in
obtaining accreditation under title II of such Act and certifications for
relevant
personnel under title III of such Act, in accordance with section 305 of
such Act.</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>IV</enum><header>Research</header><section id="id417e1e85a2ac42f18e4777c0b9ced6bd"><enum>401.</enum><header>Research strategy and priorities</header><subsection id="id3f2476a837b94383a3e025abc7ff6c65"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Comprehensive research strategy and agenda</header><paragraph id="idb79964353ba341a58f7b7005677c755a"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall recommend to the
Director a comprehensive strategy for fostering and improving
peer-reviewed scientific research relating to the forensic science
disciplines, including research addressing issues of validity,
reliability, and accuracy in the forensic science disciplines.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="ida5ace0df5258410cad67c7db13765695"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives recommendations from the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall,
in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish a comprehensive strategy
for fostering and improving peer-reviewed scientific research relating to
the forensic science disciplines.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8d7a034488aa4c029008c7673ef987d6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Review</header><subparagraph id="idc26742222db94ae5a20f00615a7c18f2"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Board review</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Board shall—</text><clause id="idc0c9335be940497ba7320ff346162bd8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>review the comprehensive strategy established under paragraph (2); and</text></clause><clause id="id5266f65385e748b694b4a66257b7a450"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>recommend any necessary updates to the comprehensive strategy.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id479bd91cadd5416e8165adf01f746a60"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>After the Director receives recommendations from the Board under subparagraph (A), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), update the comprehensive
strategy as necessary and appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2df92f67270b4102af6dfdbe69f6acbe"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Research funding priorities</header><paragraph id="id1a332aba9fa7454f887e284635552483"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall recommend to the
Director a list of priorities for forensic science research funding.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id2736c77d35714760859be248daa2b15e"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After the Director receives the list from the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in
accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish a list of priorities for
forensic science research funding.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id1a22289df03f42f29d9f0ae63aac1ee8"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Review</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 2 years, the Board shall—</text><subparagraph id="ida350d4dace3547828c07fccc88fa2cb6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>review—</text><clause id="id30197b41e1fd41d98b9a35baae822614"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the list of priorities established under paragraph (2); and</text></clause><clause id="ida4f1c2ac3bc84e9690cb1e80603a2ec9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the findings of the relevant Committees made under subsection (c); and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd525068ee0ee42c5b49b60e717abc68c"><enum>(B)</enum><text>recommend any necessary updates to the list of priorities, incorporating, as appropriate, the
findings of the Committees under subsection (c).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ida63e4436d7f74f8ca57bd9ffc1b92a0c"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>After the Director receives the recommendations under paragraph (3), the Director shall, in
accordance with section 101(f)(3), update as necessary the list of
research funding priorities.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id58114993454a45f78520a871b647f801"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Evaluation of research needs</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date on which all members of a Committee have been appointed under
section 103, and periodically thereafter, the Committee shall—</text><paragraph id="ida46d8ab8a38d49318f17ea0cb53b86ea"><enum>(1)</enum><text>examine and evaluate the scientific research in each forensic science discipline within the
responsibility of the Committee;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id2f8ddc4273e747b29ac708972a60b915"><enum>(2)</enum><text>conduct comprehensive surveys of scientific research relating to each forensic science discipline
within the responsibility of the Committee;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idcaf5fb9c4e204d00a0fe7ca43e67e664"><enum>(3)</enum><text>examine the research needs in each forensic science discipline within the responsibility of the
Committee and identify key areas in which further scientific research is
needed; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id2aadda87597241edb18f0c7ea02120ec"><enum>(4)</enum><text>develop and submit to the Board a list of research needs and priorities.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id90416a354911467398ef44f5d37d7c23"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In developing the initial research strategy, research priorities, and surveys required under this
section, the Board and the Director shall consider any findings, surveys,
and analyses relating to research in forensic science disciplines,
including those made by the Subcommittee on Forensic Science of the
National Science and Technology Council.</text></subsection></section><section id="id42ed28ff98e345218c738764475f629d"><enum>402.</enum><header>Research grants</header><subsection id="idbcecdf211c474850bae99aa38b271a2b"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Competitive grants</header><paragraph id="id0dc974f333db44739011cb47f120113f"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>In this subsection, the term <term>eligible entity</term> means—</text><subparagraph id="idd833c686f6d2461185f94eeb0111fe24"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a nonprofit academic or research institution;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7ca00e744dae42289446f1d273288d4d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an accredited forensic science laboratory; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9ca8c43c1bf34400916f3baecd4f9880"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any other entity designated by the Director of NIST.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9dda037437b04669acdf5826a708b194"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Peer-review research grants</header><subparagraph id="ide13f1034aaac4761ab6c298e9c1f6d3a"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding required under section 101(d), the Director of NIST
may, on a competitive
basis and using funds appropriated to NIST for forensic science purposes,
make grants to eligible entities to conduct peer-reviewed
scientific research.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id78d9596689e54362aaa5e141da921c0a"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In making grants under this paragraph, the Director of NIST shall—</text><clause id="iddc4c0ac3860245da8e6d917ff7cfc5dc"><enum>(i)</enum><text>ensure that the grants are made for peer-reviewed scientific research in areas
that are consistent with the research priorities established by
the
Director under section 401(b);</text></clause><clause id="id7878538597484454BDCBFC4A8E196C99"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>take into consideration the research needs identified by the Committees under section 401(c);</text></clause><clause id="idda21b1941f21475bb2b13050a5077b22"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>if made before the identification of research priorities under section 401(b) and research needs
under
section 401(c), consider any findings, surveys, and analyses relating to
research in forensic science disciplines, including those made by the
Subcommittee on Forensic Science of the National Science and Technology
Council; and</text></clause><clause id="ide380e81dfe6d4c4db193afc3b29f9d81"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>encourage and, if appropriate, provide incentives for partnerships between nonprofit academic or
research institutions and accredited forensic science laboratories.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ida55d4f014b2941c1bbf25060efd1e4e7"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Development of new technologies</header><text>Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding required under section 101(d), the Director of NIST
may, on a competitive
basis, make grants to eligible entities to conduct peer-reviewed
scientific research to develop new technologies and processes to increase
the efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of forensic testing
procedures.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb35c962d53814bbcbd86122513d87a70"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Coordination with director</header><text>In making grants under this subsection, the Director of NIST shall coordinate with the Director to
ensure implementation of
the plan established under section 404.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id887a7d9ff87a4bc588091f655277060a"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Coordination with the national science foundation</header><text>The Director of NIST shall consult and coordinate
with the National Science Foundation to ensure—</text><subparagraph id="id1db8685826e84dde81b9a8361fdff9ba"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the integrity of the process for reviewing funding proposals and awarding grants under this
subsection; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id10be5786f4af4b1f908fd6eda328fb84"><enum>(B)</enum><text>that the grant-making process is not subject to any undue bias or influence.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id3511ccd90a1349e7a2bf8085fae02245"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report</header><paragraph id="ide5e67f1316934f3ab0ceb4bc91fb0b20"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><subparagraph id="idbcf0aedbae064b9b9278d1142209e414"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Submission</header><text>The Director of NIST shall, on an annual basis,
submit to the Board and the Director a report that describes—</text><clause id="id4475bbe1cef944979d3d24094ec559c3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the application process for grants under this section;</text></clause><clause id="id508e320aa6e34661933bb66772122179"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>each grant made under this section in the fiscal year before the report is submitted; and</text></clause><clause id="ide2731570944242ba9527042904875988"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>as appropriate, the status and results of grants previously described in a report submitted under
this subsection.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide035594f147b4948ae0a634e259b703a"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Publication</header><text>The Director shall publish the report submitted under subparagraph (A) on the Web site of the
Office.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id3888f2632f0c47b4a856c203d26fa4fd"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Evaluation</header><text>The Board and the Director shall evaluate each report submitted under paragraph (1) and
consider the information provided in each report in reviewing the research
strategy and priorities established under section 401.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="iddd7c534426a94c3e9fcded7f01bde1ba"><enum>403.</enum><header>Oversight and review</header><subsection id="idc0c2b74bcc4c4fdca73507104e891604"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not later than 3 years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under paragraph (2) or
(3) of section 402(a), and not later than 2 years after the date on which
the first report under section 402(b) is submitted, the Inspector General
of the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Inspector General
of the Department of Commerce, shall submit to Congress a report on the
administration and effectiveness of the grant programs described in
section 402(a).</text></subsection><subsection id="idde53b29398e5489bbb9cf07a4fff4846"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The report required under subsection (a) shall evaluate—</text><paragraph id="id43826284ebf047aa82e09d8cefaa01be"><enum>(1)</enum><text>whether any undue biases or influences affected the integrity of the solicitation, award, or
administration of research grants; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc2048a53f573484f99647ca9550fc64e"><enum>(2)</enum><text>whether there was any unnecessary duplication, waste, fraud, or abuse in the grant-making process.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id0ccbafebb4da4adbb950d3c63f2d845f"><enum>404.</enum><header>Public-private collaboration</header><subsection id="id6813d4950bc84d2d99a1761a876917aa"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director a recommended plan for encouraging collaboration among
universities, nonprofit research institutions, State and local forensic
science laboratories, private forensic science laboratories, private
corporations, and the Federal Government to develop and perform
cost-effective and reliable research in the forensic sciences, consistent
with the research priorities established under section 401(b)(2).</text></subsection><subsection id="idf06b4871944a41b58f0ece3b36dcb4f4"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The plan recommended under subsection (a) shall include—</text><paragraph id="idc7cda58c1bcb4ad1b53e70950d2d7d29"><enum>(1)</enum><text>incentives for nongovernmental entities to invest significant resources into conducting necessary
research in the forensic sciences;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb51bc3bc5fb34a11b7491cd2fc4c4e8c"><enum>(2)</enum><text>procedures for ensuring the research described in paragraph (1) will be conducted with sufficient
scientific rigor that the research can be relied upon by—</text><subparagraph id="id738623c6206e438f871c0f965cc0b460"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Committees in developing standards under this Act; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id308afb083e7f4b3780a626bbea6fbe9e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>forensic science personnel; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idf8d846fb7d20486c831a4b0ab5fb6a36"><enum>(3)</enum><text>clearly defined requirements for disclosure of the sources of funding by nongovernmental entities
for forensic science research conducted in collaboration with governmental
entities and safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest or undue bias or
influence.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id197d09c69d1c425a943d484312f02139"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Establishment and implementation</header><text>After receiving the recommended plan of the Board under subsection (a), the Director shall
establish, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), and implement a plan for
encouraging collaboration among universities, nonprofit research
institutions, State and local forensic science laboratories, private
forensic science laboratories, private corporations, and the Federal
Government to develop and perform cost-effective and reliable research in
the forensic sciences, consistent with the research priorities established
under section 401(b)(2).</text></subsection><subsection id="id7031232883604499aeb5b1cdd7af0db3"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall periodically evaluate and, as necessary, update
the plan established under subsection (c).</text></subsection></section><enum>V</enum><header>Standards and best practices</header><section id="idd28f62015be4428d85fd1aa88f2c8722"><enum>501.</enum><header>Development of standards and best practices</header><subsection id="id73821bc1c57d48499088bc3e7cd37686"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Committee recommendations</header><paragraph id="idf3d272a749a74d449a229adf22cf6d87"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date on which all members of a Committee have been appointed under
section 103, the Committee shall develop and recommend to the Board
standards and best practices for each forensic science discipline
addressed by the Committee, including—</text><subparagraph id="ideded7c5aa8b6452499cc507abc960e36"><enum>(A)</enum><text>validated protocols;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida70a88574f5945d7ac55f616854699ea"><enum>(B)</enum><text>quality assurance standards; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id05c84d20b7d1446597910ebdf7f60446"><enum>(C)</enum><text>standards to be applied in reporting, including reports of identifications, analyses, or
comparisons of forensic evidence that may be used during a criminal
investigation or criminal court proceeding.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id79c5874c4caa4eb298c6937a38581c43"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In developing the standards and best practices under paragraph (1), a Committee shall—</text><subparagraph id="id886565d201474f8a8c86d5528e2c5c40"><enum>(A)</enum><text>as appropriate, consult with qualified professional organizations;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5960e481339f498b8f53d49522db1971"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider existing validated protocols and best practices;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idba426a28ee904a7a9754fcc3ea94d969"><enum>(C)</enum><text>develop standards and best practices that are designed to ensure the quality and scientific
integrity of data, results, conclusions, analyses, and reports that are
generated for use in the criminal justice system; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idc891f781a6d44fc4894d977bb394ada9"><enum>(D)</enum><text>develop standards and best practices that afford laboratories appropriate operational flexibility,
including appropriate flexibility as to specific instruments, equipment,
and methods.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id03185f294ebc44f182690a033bee0562"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Board recommendations</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date on which a Committee submits recommended standards and best
practices under subsection (a), the Board shall, in accordance with
section 103(f)(2)—</text><paragraph id="idbade3e1e1db649c482e60a75db165adf"><enum>(1)</enum><text>consider the recommendations; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8b1b6aeec6c64f2cb8bc4f452af46050"><enum>(2)</enum><text>submit to the Director recommendations of standards and best practices.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="iddfe18b3149014a19814e6e175dbcfa30"><enum>502.</enum><header>Establishment and dissemination of standards and best practices</header><subsection id="idfd68ce1629c24d9e8ed5b983c9ed4066"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In General</header><text>After the Board submits standards or best practices for a forensic science discipline under section
501(b), the Director shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3),
establish and disseminate standards and best practices for the forensic
science discipline.</text></subsection><subsection id="id74e8031969c24a058b41daf6c46b3e1b"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Publication</header><text>The Director shall publish the standards and best practices established under subsection (a) on the
Web site of the Office.</text></subsection></section><section id="idb6772067ff6f4151af920e3d9519e65c"><enum>503.</enum><header>Review and oversight</header><subsection id="ide1ce080afa4c4e75a6ec7a316d6b4f2f"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Review by committees</header><paragraph id="idc3710b70b0794feb9aafc7d57f5405b8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 3 years, each Committee shall review and, as necessary,
recommend to the Board updates to the standards and best practices
established under section 502 for each forensic science discipline within
the responsibility of the Committee.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id2eb4464462d64111a4dcf3d7ff4e87d5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text>In reviewing, and developing recommended updates to, the standards and best practices under
paragraph (1), a Committee shall consider—</text><subparagraph id="id74a8f1b6baac4a3096b8817ea1b06455"><enum>(A)</enum><text>input from qualified professional organizations;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id54c39764dfa440b4b7404250b7f1ad27"><enum>(B)</enum><text>research published after the date on which the standards and best practices were established,
including research conducted under title IV; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida63589a4b5ce429aa3e8b15ae0da791b"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any changes to relevant law made after the date on which the standards and best practices were
established.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idcfae55a69a3d46b0baf979afe01d192e"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Board recommendations</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date on which a Committee submits recommended updates to the
standards and best practices under subsection (a), the Board shall, in
accordance with section 103(f)(2)—</text><paragraph id="id51506e8a26a649fa8a5ea7eaa03f52c0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>consider the recommendations; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id6ef416aac76d45ff8fec8c908a4aa11b"><enum>(2)</enum><text>recommend to the Director any updates, as necessary, to the standards and best practices
established under section 502.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id0c94fbac1e71419088d0bd7f32ffc32a"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>After the Director receives recommended updates, if any, under subsection (b), the Director shall,
in accordance with section 101(f)(3), update and disseminate the standards
and best practices for each forensic science discipline as necessary.</text></subsection><subsection id="id6e513bb0dfe8428b9aca67356d05f578"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Procedures</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall establish procedures to ensure that the process
for developing, reviewing, and updating the standards and best practices—</text><paragraph id="idf3f409f66fd448dbaf0b3b2e7e23af09"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is open and transparent to the public; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idf3b0379b8cf14e36a7899b82d6b47ebd"><enum>(2)</enum><text>includes an opportunity for the public to comment on proposed standards with sufficient prior
notice.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>VI</enum><header>Additional responsibilities of the office of forensic science and the forensic science board</header><section id="ide36a50d6ea0b4721b6d8ada954982bc8"><enum>601.</enum><header>Forensic science training and education for judges, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel</header><subsection id="ide7cc319f5567462ebb8bae5de99b23a6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><paragraph id="id6d29b34618a8411f8a41b595a73f4ba0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director a recommended plan for—</text><subparagraph id="idc6d11ee3b4d34b7a802c5e530e230b6f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>supporting the education and training of judges, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel in the
forensic sciences and fundamental scientific principles, which shall
include education on the competent use and evaluation of forensic science
evidence; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idad3f60343a2a438182f634f5f5192766"><enum>(B)</enum><text>developing a standardized curriculum for education and training described in subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id2323834a40c14ccbb0f2099cd2abe8fc"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall
establish, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), and implement a plan for—</text><subparagraph id="id8be0771704d54282a7a5e1b90f4bab9f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>supporting the education and training of judges, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel in the
forensic sciences and fundamental scientific principles, which shall
include education on the competent use and evaluation of forensic science
evidence; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2c6a4ec94d334a70b126ed86a5198d05"><enum>(B)</enum><text>developing a standardized curriculum for education and training described in subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id06cabe4c39924428a64843e2a881f745"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall periodically evaluate and, as necessary, update
the plan established under paragraph (2).</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id22faefeb3a2a4df9a95b0f4abc890860"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Technical assistance, training, and education</header><paragraph id="idd0a7a8dc72f648ab86e2878cb6fecd4f"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director of the National Institute of Justice may, in consultation with the Director—</text><subparagraph id="id8ead5713401e49a0ba62ffb4bceafdea"><enum>(A)</enum><text>provide technical assistance directly or indirectly to judges, attorneys, and law enforcement
personnel in the forensic sciences and fundamental scientific principles,
including the competent use and evaluation of forensic science evidence;
and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idae83d977fe184606be28b21010e88c87"><enum>(B)</enum><text>make grants to States and units of local government and nonprofit organizations or institutions to
provide training to judges, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel about
the forensic sciences and fundamental scientific principles, including the
competent use and evaluation of forensic science evidence.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0a4e76dc743a4952bcb5cea29eebb45e"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>On and after the date on which the Director establishes the plan for supporting the education and
training of judges, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel in the
forensic sciences and fundamental scientific principles under subsection
(a)(2), the Director of the National Institute of Justice shall administer
the grant program described in paragraph (1) in accordance with the plan.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id0c153bacb9c24694a1b52131b45c5198"><enum>602.</enum><header>Educational programs in the forensic sciences</header><subsection id="ideac8c7582831450eaddb14d264c6d9ea"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director—</text><paragraph id="id163a48928c0049f0a5679fd0e89a319e"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a recommended plan for supporting the development of undergraduate and graduate educational
programs in the forensic science disciplines and related fields; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id21eb95e7a5994919b443984d42e083fd"><enum>(2)</enum><text>recommendations as to whether the development of standards or requirements for educational programs
in the forensic science disciplines and related fields is appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id5cb40390ce244316927aa76cac2870ad"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment and implementation</header><text>Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Board under subsection (a), the Director shall
establish, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), and implement—</text><paragraph id="id85e301d153ee4509b7ee366d5888ba5a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a plan for supporting the development of undergraduate and graduate educational programs in the
forensic science disciplines and related fields; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="ide7d77cd0b3a945f2bbef6899b21969e2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>any standards or requirements for education programs in the forensic science disciplines and
related fields determined by the Director to be appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="iddc64b07fc5184e029e35789b9d139a8c"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Existing qualified professional organizations</header><text>In recommending, establishing, and implementing the plan and standards described in subsections (a)
and (b), the Board and the Director shall consider the role of qualified
professional organizations that accredit forensic science education
programs, and any standards developed by such qualified professional
organizations.</text></subsection><subsection id="id0bd2f6321c414e0eacc7545afb23ce4d"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall—</text><paragraph id="id5ed56dfa00b54e1786f803b6b1715328"><enum>(1)</enum><text>oversee the implementation of any standards or requirements established under subsection (b); and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3894ac17c0434859bfbe533180228fde"><enum>(2)</enum><text>periodically evaluate and, as necessary, update the plan, standards, or requirements established
under subsection (b).</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id8e1885c2a0944c10ac3949b6b9d367a9"><enum>603.</enum><header>Medicolegal death investigation</header><subsection id="id59fc1a1daa2e42908f44cf2facce4e4a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director—</text><paragraph id="id3be30ff582c846d0b18976323261d5b2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a recommended plan to encourage the Federal Government and State and local governments to implement
systems to ensure that qualified individuals perform medicolegal death
investigations and to encourage qualified individuals to enter the field
of medicolegal death investigation; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id980a880fc7bb43779cd1e03f25b4fbbe"><enum>(2)</enum><text>recommendations on whether and how the requirements, standards and regulations established under
this Act should apply to individuals who perform medicolegal death
investigations.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id9d47de83494a448ab70846e443d1f248"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment and implementation</header><text>Upon receipt of the recommendations from the Board under subsection (a), the Director shall
establish, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), and implement—</text><paragraph id="id1c0a2c11667b417d8e85bb5139e34e17"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a plan to encourage the Federal Government and State and local governments to implement systems to
ensure that qualified individuals perform medicolegal death investigations
and to encourage qualified individuals to enter the field of medicolegal
death investigation; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7133af333f1f49449256995867c61408"><enum>(2)</enum><text>any specific or additional standards or requirements for individuals who perform medicolegal death
investigations determined by the Director to be appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idb17fc8dc07804c92b95a28fb8a2582ed"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall—</text><paragraph id="id338ff721b7b24599a03300cc1109fb4b"><enum>(1)</enum><text>oversee the implementation of any standards or requirements established under subsection (b)(2);
and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idbf8e1644a2fa45ee91b8ab8d02adff94"><enum>(2)</enum><text>periodically evaluate and, as necessary, update the plan, standards, and requirements established
under subsection (b).</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id7cd1c8c6150347e0b69dd1d83c4fa83b"><enum>604.</enum><header>Intergovernmental coordination</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Board and the Director shall regularly—</text><paragraph id="id6ad46cc5cc824c75a1cd698779848c84"><enum>(1)</enum><text>coordinate with relevant Federal agencies, including NIST, the National Science Foundation, the
Department of Defense,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National
Institutes of Health, as appropriate, to make efficient and appropriate
use of research expertise and funding;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc206cbd0b02e4aba90db7fa1a00bdc6b"><enum>(2)</enum><text>coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant Federal agencies to
determine ways in which the forensic science disciplines may assist in
homeland security and emergency preparedness; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3ad57f422fb7478c8dbb01ae51d93091"><enum>(3)</enum><text>coordinate with the United States intelligence community to make efficient and appropriate use of
research and new technologies suitable for forensic science.</text></paragraph></section><section id="id950bb8516f5b479ea88447fb9670a997"><enum>605.</enum><header>Anonymous reporting</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a system
for any individual to provide information relating to compliance, or lack
of compliance, with the requirements, standards, and regulations
established under this Act, which may include a hotline or Web site that
has appropriate guarantees of anonymity and confidentiality and
protections for whistleblowers.</text></section><section id="id7f1fd1be7a66451299110b59d2610b4d"><enum>606.</enum><header>Interoperability of databases and technologies</header><subsection id="iddff86ae1fd2e4a669c98caa979e059c5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director a recommended plan to require interoperability among databases
and technologies in each of the forensic science disciplines among all
levels of government, in all States, and where permitted by law, with the
private sector.</text></subsection><subsection id="idf5fb247d796d48cbba8032462dda9ec9"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment and implementation</header><text>Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Board under subsection (a), the Director shall
establish, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), and implement a plan to
encourage interoperability among databases and technologies in each of the
forensic science disciplines among all levels of government, in all
States, and where permitted by law, with the private sector.</text></subsection><subsection id="id0d5bb15084704db398efe1eec4617879"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall evaluate and, as necessary, update the plan
established under subsection (b).</text></subsection></section><section id="id6015805cf6044ecfab5b086a9bd79844"><enum>607.</enum><header>Code of ethics</header><subsection id="id4575387c5b264a66866fb02c8f24f3ae"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><paragraph id="id35f03a7192ba4af082b2c57a5a0f3e63"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the
Director a recommended code of ethics for the forensic science
disciplines.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id17afad04ec7c43998e006309d3eb5000"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In developing a recommended code of ethics under paragraph (1), the Board shall—</text><subparagraph id="id4f24a5910dcb4e87a3950ae0f46c6b56"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consult with relevant qualified professional organizations; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide51fd6f1c5ad4bb98ca10c923d321387"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider any recommendations relating to a code of ethics or code of professional responsibility
developed by the Subcommittee on Forensic Science of the National Science
and Technology Council.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id9747074b5f184a5faa6827e2c151b9ca"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment and incorporation</header><text>Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Board under subsection (a), the Director shall—</text><paragraph id="ide90869e53b8843c3896b9ce4ed0af616"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish a code of ethics for the forensic science
disciplines; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3e34488ba5b745049c097a4d6498329f"><enum>(2)</enum><text>as appropriate, incorporate the code of ethics into the standards for accreditation of forensic
science laboratories and certification of relevant personnel established
under this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id0a4dbb2e6e3f42108d1a85df53fd7dd4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Board, shall periodically evaluate and, as necessary, update
the code of ethics established under subsection (b).</text></subsection></section><section id="id7d5c4ff644fd472d96f4824c05a3f2b8"><enum>608.</enum><header>Needs assessment</header><subsection id="id09acf249a79f4df39c6b25a58e863b0a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall conduct a
needs assessment of State and local forensic service providers, including
law enforcement agencies and medicolegal death examiners, in order to
evaluate the capacity and resource needs of those providers. Such a needs
assessment shall address the technology, equipment, personnel,
recruitment, training, education, and research needs of those State and
local forensic service providers.</text></subsection><subsection id="ida5e4a728d74d48e3acc7f50272f6cab5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Development of national strategy</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a
national strategy for developing the capacity and resources of State and
local forensic science providers and for addressing the needs identified
in the assessment conducted pursuant to subsection (a).</text></subsection><subsection id="idee9bfcb1eef4495fa8e97e784530793b"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Update of assessment and national strategy</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Director shall update the assessment conducted
under subsection (a) and the national strategy developed under subsection
(b).</text>
</subsection></section>