1.Short
title; table of contents
(a)This Act may be cited
as the Criminal Justice and Forensic
Science Reform Act of 2011
.
(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. Grants and technical assistance.
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. Medical-legal death examination.
Sec. 604. Inter-governmental coordination.
Sec. 605. Anonymous reporting.
Sec. 606. Interoperability of databases and
technologies.
Sec. 607. Code of ethics.
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
Deputy Director means the Deputy Director of the Office;
(4)the term
Director means the Director of the Office;
(5)the term
forensic science discipline shall have the meaning given that term
by the Director in accordance with section 102(h);
(6)the term
forensic science laboratory shall have the meaning given that term
by the Director in accordance with section 201(c);
(7)the term
Office means the Office of Forensic Science established under
section 101(a); and
(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 consistency, scientific validity, 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="IDabae2ae67d464fe2b68b5e4b21d51acf"><enum>101.</enum><header>Office of
Forensic Science</header>
<subsection id="idEFD7D494F7EB42CEBE92970099CDD173"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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="ID97b73bc0afe34caab8aff3a362fe5591"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Officers and
staff</header>
<paragraph id="id7118110CFFB64831A3C579CCE58B4989"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Office shall include—</text>
<subparagraph id="IDa31a7ea58bcd4749b6be88fb89d15616"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a Director, who
shall be appointed by the Attorney General;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDda9a0a5132ea47a89f546da7790ebb20"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a Deputy
Director, who shall be—</text>
<clause id="id841BBDC372AB4E2BA0EE1AC8A748F12E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an
employee of the National Institute of Standards and Technology;</text>
</clause><clause id="id0CD8E64A3BE5454DA092FA64BF6C968E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>selected by the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id6E272534DD624DDDAF3338D1A6A3FC47"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>detailed to the
Office on a reimbursable basis;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDfb7e99d992874e3eb7e7a8bf5001b551"><enum>(C)</enum><text>such additional
staff detailed on a reimbursable basis from the National Institute of Standards
and Technology as the Deputy Director, in consultation with the Director and
subject to the approval of the Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology, determines appropriate; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6351F64DA0504E829F3610AE506533AF"><enum>(D)</enum><text>such other
officers and staff as the Deputy Attorney General, the Director, and the Deputy
Director determine appropriate.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id05100E61FD2F4FE8887B1D81FDB2C202"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text>Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the initial
appointments, selections, and detailing under paragraph (1) shall be
made.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDe4478991df904d499b03d8f78f778ae4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Vacancy</header><text>In
the event of a vacancy in the position of Director—</text>
<paragraph id="idFEDE38102F1344B6AFAB781E645DFF0A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the Attorney
General shall designate an acting Director; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id1154EDB8AF014D28BE761B644EB2A509"><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="ID20e7f2a8fbf64e30af428b0ee4895db2"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Liaison</header><text>The
Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Director
and the Deputy Director, shall designate a liaison at the National Science
Foundation to facilitate communication between the Office and the National
Science Foundation.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="IDd4550a010f6c4e0e9d42e02f9e59251c"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Duties and
authority</header>
<paragraph id="ID32bc15c1993e4cccb692352136e5fab0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Office shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID9998b5af6c3842abbf14aa1b7dfc2a93"><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; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7003806E3F7E48DDB1512D0D67312EA4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>evaluate and act
upon the recommendations of the Board in accordance with paragraph (4).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="ID85717c31e8584f93ac9e6267f32f7d7e"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Specific
responsibilities</header><text>The Director, in consultation with the Deputy
Director, shall—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="idAB55D11B85A5486FB33E1E4B54AB2F50"><enum>(A)</enum><text>establish,
implement, and enforce accreditation and certification standards under titles
II and III;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID2416d5fdcc984e9d98d8af5821d7b5fa"><enum>(B)</enum><text>establish a
comprehensive strategy for scientific research in the forensic sciences under
title IV;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id16E0310ADB924B33A3BA266DCD273A05"><enum>(C)</enum><text>establish and
implement standards and best practices for forensic science disciplines under
title V;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id5E1EE1BA69484A249927D89EE54823CD"><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 commented="no" id="idC5900F165D3B4C7FAEF1CE31B49B4AB3"><enum>(E)</enum><text>establish and
maintain a list of forensic science disciplines in accordance with section
102(h);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="idB97D349CD7324247B9CED640AE8C82FF"><enum>(F)</enum><text>establish
Committees in accordance with section 103;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id1D21B62D94854D22836F2E9C6C2BE45A"><enum>(G)</enum><text>define the term
<term>forensic science laboratory</term> for the purposes of this Act in
accordance with section 201(c); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="idE328F560CC7C47BD82971104414E37C5"><enum>(H)</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 commented="no" id="id96BA3D22B1CE4BA8B229D0E0B44F5196"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Additional
responsibilities of Deputy Director</header><text>The Deputy Director, in
consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, shall oversee—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="id1BE8BF01F0074CCFB8BA0B5454DF2814"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the
implementation of any standard, protocol, definition, or other material
established or amended based on a recommendation by a Committee; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id0DFE3336099B4B778D053362265DD479"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the work of the
Committees.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id7ABBCA428F0840ACB4F07067F43EE17E"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Consideration
of recommendations</header>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="id62016F5BFE0B4884A94534CEF3E0C091"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Upon receiving a recommendation from the Board, the
Director shall—</text>
<clause commented="no" id="id3BC9FB4B6A434FA184A09BA9855C5E25"><enum>(i)</enum><text>give substantial
deference to the recommendation; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" id="id395DCD38E2A14BBDB86573D2EB7487EB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not later than
90 days after the date on which the Director receives the recommendation,
determine whether to adopt, modify, or reject the recommendation.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id0E6A8EA2C7B742148BCD263C8820B23F"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Modification</header>
<clause commented="no" id="id034BFC41EC544055841AD4C0F88C79F6"><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 commented="no" id="idA02F346454CF415B969FF57F4F35942B"><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 commented="no" id="id9A9D6F4F01674E9BBEC96DA3CE8BAB4F"><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 commented="no" id="id30615A97F5B04A26849EBC697ACB2ABC"><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 commented="no" id="id545BB35A24804BDF9B49A9D7FA807441"><enum>(I)</enum><text>provide notice
and an explanation of the modification proposed 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 and
Technology of the House of Representatives; and</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" id="id4E45FC515BD84198BA11A4B82686FD97"><enum>(II)</enum><text>begin a
rulemaking on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing.</text>
</subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id44061D4834C64F54AC8DF00D1390951F"><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 commented="no" id="id07717DB99A554AB1872B2E3A1D2660C8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>provide notice
and an explanation of the decision 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 and Technology of the
House of Representatives; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id04CC1F639ABF434A8CC556053F18D97F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>begin a
rulemaking on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idD7F8F48575FC45A8820D337FED6343EA"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Website</header><text>The
Director shall—</text>
<paragraph id="idD2E5C931AEB74FE5BBE572C5C0572840"><enum>(1)</enum><text>establish a
website that is publicly accessible; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id68D9DB5FF73C444F8A14FC8A433E5221"><enum>(2)</enum><text>publish
recommendations of the Board and all standards, protocols, definitions, and
other materials established, or amended, by the Director under this Act on the
website.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id5008102093ED4DAEB84DE921CBF4924F"><enum>102.</enum><header>Forensic
Science Board</header>
<subsection id="IDf185e52191eb4c25808d3a03e2d155f1"><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 consistency, scientific validity, 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="idC76DD482966E41EE8FA21A2ACDB2292A"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Appointment</header>
<paragraph id="idF221982433674622851ECF8A24BB3D09"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Board shall be composed of 19 members, who
shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id0DE6A12CA9CC46C5BBAE92C2DAB5384D"><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="id82429CF56ADA4D8D81C1FAABDBF95784"><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="idEBA72113719340FDAA24F596EEE9DD1D"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration
and consultation</header><text>In making an appointment under paragraph (1),
the President shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="idFC1D07BF3C4946EAA65C9317F4494509"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider the need
for the Board to exercise independent scientific judgment;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5F3195184EBA4A0EA4A4CF11730EA408"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider, among
other factors, recommendations from leading scientific organizations and
leading professional organizations in the field of forensic science and other
relevant fields; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idBA5FD96E06DE41E3B59D2E32FEA0586E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>consult with the
Chairman and Ranking Member of the—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id4B1EBA40B0C5474C8F6A5371C801F892"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Committee on the
Judiciary and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF20796781CF84BCC8736D9E5E7482F62"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Committee on
the Judiciary and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
Representatives.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="ID030858bf01a645ad81fbe13364ce8eb9"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The
Board shall include—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="ID7beaaaf458f54bc3a231dd919656a9fe"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not fewer than 10
members who have comprehensive scientific backgrounds, of which—</text>
<clause commented="no" id="IDb32d3a0bc11a49f5a477b85269f98a0a"><enum>(i)</enum><text>not fewer than 5
members have extensive experience or background in scientific research;
and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" id="ID15912689fcf347ed83efc311f5910a0a"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not fewer than 5
members have extensive experience or background in forensic science; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID6548c2d968364cfc8fbc2773d97f29b8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not fewer than 1
member from each category described in paragraph (4).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idEE1F4160EF564562899990234F962D6B"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Categories</header><text>The
categories described in this paragraph are—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="IDf0d661c775f64dad84a8238b47f9ef21"><enum>(A)</enum><text>judges;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID512399480cbc48d4a987ef75726ab1b2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Federal
Government officials;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="IDb4d8598b0e0141d2896a86309187f35a"><enum>(C)</enum><text>State and local
government officials;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID6b3f663ba8194b92bc1c87bc0694fe0b"><enum>(D)</enum><text>prosecutors;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID597857525f224d78a14558bf75c966e4"><enum>(E)</enum><text>law enforcement
officers;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID291d108acc854200a7925c0043fe5fb7"><enum>(F)</enum><text>criminal defense
attorneys;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="IDc12dedb1b3e1426cac33bdc1518f2578"><enum>(G)</enum><text>organizations
that represent people who may have been wrongly convicted;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID91225efe9112422b883c951622fbc58a"><enum>(H)</enum><text>practitioners in
forensic laboratories;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id25BD3FC4E3F24E9E8244263980A9AC74"><enum>(I)</enum><text>physicians with
relevant expertise; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="ID0120f5baa0ad4fd9b3d274bf1d062175"><enum>(J)</enum><text>State laboratory
directors.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idDC11CF66C80E40528B5F7207FA0507AC"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Fulfillment of
multiple requirements</header><text>An individual may fulfill more than 1
requirement described in paragraph (3) or (4).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idBCDBB575FD644165A8D7D0DCB1F91AFC"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Ex officio
members</header><text>The Director and the Deputy Director shall serve as ex
officio and nonvoting members of the Board.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDe02c959bf9d64315baffb49d8bda63b7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Terms</header>
<paragraph id="id8FDF53E1404F47A3A03F27DB81A22647"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>A member of the Board shall be appointed for a term of 6
years.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id1670BD78D9334A2FAD7EA637A3730C34"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><text>Of
the members first appointed to the Board—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID52211bbc690d4957b03e88d23c1c8de5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>6 members shall
serve a term of 2 years;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDb745552322634f07bfba11624c6c931d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>6 members shall
serve a term of 4 years; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id088B3A55D36B448A97B26E0629286A83"><enum>(C)</enum><text>7 members shall
serve a term of 6 years.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idBB70EA9012B0425AAC97A3D3BE857361"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Renewable
term</header><text>A 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="ID957d91e222ed4efb8c27c8e127520dcb"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Vacancies</header>
<subparagraph id="idC7C5243A8C384371B5C2EB0E8A05C8EB"><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="idE411EF94681D4696B02617F02B242690"><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="ID368dfc9dca484658bcd10eb8b7fda7d4"><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="id9434C1F8CFAE4F27A13297E2375CDC91"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a successor is
appointed; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2CFB854361B84F9DAB6223DC15D39E1B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the member of the
Board is reappointed.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID452684ed27a64b4694bfc6e9ffe2739c"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Responsibilities</header><text>The
Board shall—</text>
<paragraph id="idD9CCD6265E2F43B7ADD3F7EE037DF5C2"><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="idC6F36B225297494499607863FD3BD975"><enum>(2)</enum><text>monitor and
evaluate—</text>
<subparagraph id="idC0FF9C7FF41A40FDB0EBCA056D9939A5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the
administration of accreditation, certification, and research programs and
procedures established under this Act; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5B5253CC945548C59C95FF93B08E001D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the operation of
the Committees;</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id25231992BD8644CCA6532E9BA834A8C9"><enum>(3)</enum><text>review and
update, as appropriate, any recommendations made under paragraph (1);
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id4C63FA6A20D74C589DBD172B96A462BC"><enum>(4)</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="IDf34de780a8964afdbeef8073fd54063e"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text>The
Board shall consult as appropriate with the Deputy Attorney General, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 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, senior
officials from other relevant Federal agencies, and relevant officials of State
and local government.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID5cac760cdcbf4298bd5be72f20e56b2d"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Meetings</header>
<paragraph id="ID3e677471b1fb429b95d3443ac3147f04"><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="ID31e4339a968a4302945bf299e6424e65"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header>
<subparagraph id="idD545A373EE2B4FA88FFCF6FFFE6DF9A4"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Notice</header><text>The
Board shall provide public notice of any meeting of the Board a reasonable
period in advance of the meeting.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1621E4B85F6C432B9D2B7752572402CF"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Open
meetings</header><text>A meeting of the Board shall be open to the
public.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID77a391e3085f4c1a90d964f6cbd03a90"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Quorum</header><text>A
majority of the members of the Board shall be present for a quorum to conduct
business.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID3f239743e9874fc68c771f873f99c17e"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Votes</header>
<paragraph id="id96D4AEEB830E4B278C8F24018DD54D9D"><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="idFA6080E4E2414FFFAE61841741107430"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Voting
procedures</header>
<subparagraph id="idF2DDCA50677349E0ABDF8CD10C2D039E"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Recorded</header><text>All
votes of the Board shall be recorded.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA0990AA3B22C404DBDD986CB80F7B26F"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Remote and
proxy voting</header><text>If necessary, a member of the Board may cast a
vote—</text>
<clause id="id077DA3C690044089850EEE529E27661A"><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="idFD43FF86666A433A913003A0B4E53D09"><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="IDe5da59123e8647a28f9999c46c2293d2"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Definition of
forensic science discipline</header>
<paragraph id="ID4aba4e7db4fd4908acf6c99d6d804afb"><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="IDa85672f19ae54bbca56f2a3f8d843cd7"><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="ID7fcde94beffb468c886a2847e7e913bb"><enum>(B)</enum><text>develop a
recommended list of forensic science disciplines for purposes of this Act;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFDBFD175B23D42FCAFC2466B6A3381CD"><enum>(C)</enum><text>submit the
recommended definition and proposed list of forensic science disciplines to the
Director.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9F0B563D7F2A4401AA47B23A4343BB0C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In
developing a recommended list of forensic science disciplines under paragraph
(1)(B), the Board shall consider each field from which courts in criminal cases
hear forensic testimony or admit forensic evidence.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id676F5F079D0E403FBAFBCB6E03992978"><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="idEAE15A78955E426CAE11E138A66379EA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall be
published on the website of the Board; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1434D1AE1BBA48CF847FF6CC7CB87F11"><enum>(B)</enum><text>may include a
finding that a field could be recognized as a forensic science discipline,
based on additional research.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idFB050EE775D34512B8E68504BC487881"><enum>(4)</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(e)(4), establish a definition
for the term <term>forensic science discipline</term>, and shall establish a
list of forensic science disciplines.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID5ba4df3bd9b34043a566d40265c87ae1"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Annual
evaluation</header><text>On an annual basis, the Board shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="idE2B869D6D7AD42D292A46FD51583FD05"><enum>(A)</enum><text>evaluate—</text>
<clause id="idFF8BD23119C94958A867898F133DBD41"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether any field
should be added to the list of forensic science disciplines established under
paragraph (4); and</text>
</clause><clause id="id7C37D5C7D2C34B678DD6ACFD8862BCBE"><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="idCBBD001BE6BC422A908F19D23AC0363D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit the
evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A), including any recommendations, to
the Director.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id25ABBB85BB834780BB52B0EAC3B0004B"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Staff</header>
<paragraph id="id889A175AAFE9411690BCEF1FDE6B7FAE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Board may, without regard to the civil service laws
and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive 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="id5FD5E709527940C28E603D4ECCCE35D3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compensation</header><text>The
Board may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel
appointed under paragraph (1) without regard to the provisions of chapter 51
and subchapter III of chapter 53 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="ID73583fe855ee4bd0adb924dbca9e451a"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Personnel as
Federal employees</header>
<subparagraph id="ID863c821b86504b24b22815d508a6502c"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Any personnel of the Board who are employees shall be
employees under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes of
chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 24 85, 87, 89, 89A, 89B, and 90 of that title.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA087A7B1AAA74A6C94924332DD8811E9"><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="idEEA24F7CBE834CA0A8D92430B7FE378E"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Procurement of
temporary and intermittent services</header><text>The Board may procure
temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) 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="idA96C5E9326404FE38B7E806E49FA65EA"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Voluntary
services</header><text>Notwithstanding section 1342 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="ID9040901172cc48ae87f4794f3e4562a8"><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="id8704A880AB164E66AD87FBF790E24A1C"><enum>(k)</enum><header>Applicability
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id89932A71470E452D9330CB72A99F6370"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Board.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id32CAC013D4904B8BB545BC9AAF47683B"><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="idFFA061216B7747F7B7B5360315177B62"><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 commented="no" id="id90FCD79BD106475CAE4F90E15B2C7071"><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 chapter 57 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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2419027549DE4BB6AE45C671E19851CA"><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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idFCFA1A0E7C2B4AA78473171CA1BA5315"><enum>(A)</enum><text>serve as the
designated Federal officer; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC11DB2F12FF241A3ADF9C55C1C971BC0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>designate a
committee management officer for the Board.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="IDe4889ba5ed22429fbd79452e3c6bb5b7"><enum>103.</enum><header>Committees</header>
<subsection id="IDf28b799a51dc45629397f161d8408c87"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment
and maintenance of Committees</header>
<paragraph id="IDa8ba4235ef144553b48bcc4e82332047"><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="idF460CB00065D41A5A09F0D4DD71E9F55"><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—</text>
<clause id="id7FA5741E18B94A4197A0FCAD6EBE31B3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>not
fewer than 1; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id21C0458E859F450A8DB253D07B20CE64"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>sufficient to
allow the Committees to function effectively;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID65d3346e14c84093867c33712cecfe04"><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="idC470914D72DA4D9A9718433334D76539"><enum>(C)</enum><text>what the
relationship should be between the Committees and any scientific working group
or technical working group that has a similar scope of responsibility;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id57A6495815964AD28CCE94DA43EFD527"><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="idBF92CAA68E7044C881909526E9323F0B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>After
the Director receives the recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the
Director, in coordination with the Deputy Director, shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="idB1F4A42D84314E378ACA04849E2FA25D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in accordance
with section 101(e)(4), establish—</text>
<clause id="idE57BEF0C2B7C40788AC2D9F863E5B8CD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Committees to
examine research needs, standards, and best practices, and certification
standards for the forensic science disciplines, which shall be not fewer than
1; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id8531C9E07CA44CF8859D02D01492E9AF"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a
clear scope of responsibility for each Committee; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id52B2813CF19E41268572BA1C891CABBE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>publish a list of
the Committees and the scope of responsibility for each Committee on the
website for the Office.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDe5ab217c542d410eb2a6de6cf0c222e6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Annual
evaluation</header><text>The Board, on an annual basis, shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id9B0256AB3F4A4338AACEF84D834B5294"><enum>(A)</enum><text>evaluate—</text>
<clause id="id35674246A2664D1BBC33ED8385E4E6A5"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether any new
Committees should be established;</text>
</clause><clause id="id747B893DE0F94398881064240380BE75"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether the
scope of responsibility for any Committee should be modified; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id1D2C66128CB14395A5567A5E1F151A4A"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>whether any
Committee should be discontinued;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1A15DEE86C6743ED9ECF7A0D893D864C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit any
recommendations relating to the evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A) to
the Director and Deputy Director.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id76C83877FF1043C6897A4A483A9B5C5E"><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(e)(4), determine whether to establish,
modify the scope of, or discontinue any Committee.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID8855231d57ad403e81ac0b77c2c34f82"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Membership</header>
<paragraph id="idC3F02DDCA0BD4CCBA6D58EA132EAF3DD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Each Committee shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="idABC91DA5A6CC40B3AA9D13B2D17B04EE"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consist of not
more than 21 members—</text>
<clause id="id8ED50FAD14B4478889B96E3BC1E66135"><enum>(i)</enum><text>each of whom
shall be a scientist with knowledge relevant to a forensic science discipline
addressed by the Committee; and</text>
</clause><clause id="idFB74EEC75B054060BDA30353F8C7619C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not less than 50
percent of whom shall have extensive experience or background in scientific
research;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD8C4D7BD82734859B2B947EC5A4FF59B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>have a number of
members who have extensive experience or 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>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA71B74681D5747CEB71D86F84FC285E2"><enum>(C)</enum><text>have a membership
that represents a variety of scientific disciplines, including the forensic
sciences.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idC330FE16947D4C9EB16D02CBD4A3B747"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>In
this subsection, the term <term>scientist</term> includes—</text>
<subparagraph id="id0D6A18947BFF4CF6A7629678EE6360B8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a statistician
with a scientific background; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5ADF88E5EFEB4EC4B0248B0EAE886CF8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a physician with
expertise in forensic sciences.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID637e5133354a485788dbb466b0a3d167"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Appointment</header>
<paragraph id="idC34D8827C2644783B7B02EFD87E31A43"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Deputy Director, in consultation with the Board,
shall appoint the members of each Committee.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idFED7301D059C47598C786D7A2B8D557B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In
appointing members to a Committee under paragraph (1), the Deputy Director
shall consider—</text>
<subparagraph id="idD1E48C9801224B0BA4F94F53C5D171DD"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the importance of
analysis from scientists with academic backgrounds; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6703AA396A674F429F9077B680953708"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the importance of
input from experienced forensic practitioners.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDce0774b0a8464e1bb7f13e8043c9d2a3"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Vacancies</header><text>In
the event of a vacancy, the Deputy Director, in consultation with the Board,
may appoint a member to fill the remainder of the term.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id62BE80D31B7E437A815445C42D962CFC"><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="id924C2EB9BE2C4EEC87A9F71714675136"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a successor is
appointed; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id19AC157E90CC454882249EB78358A3D3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the member of the
Committee is reappointed.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID52f3b33b902d45d399e683481a1b6626"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Terms</header><text>A
member of a Committee shall serve for renewable terms of 4 years.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="IDf2895b42dd0941599bbfec8672dc2b26"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Support and
oversight</header>
<paragraph id="IDa97bb30bb9434ff88a8ac7481347ea51"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The National Institute of Standards and Technology shall
provide support and staff for each Committee as needed.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID4eca4f9c64c1421385b10004b24704a4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Duties and
oversight</header><text>The Deputy Director shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id68BDCFFB606C4DA186BE7EE1B6BF4528"><enum>(A)</enum><text>perform periodic
oversight of each Committee; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9D265BC3793F47A4BBCF33640341E035"><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="ID933f592941bc457f8aa930350adcaefc"><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 Deputy Director and the Director of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall work with the
Committee to assist the Committee in producing the required recommendations in
a timely manner.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID024099c66a2c4a35b6eefe314f600eaa"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Duties</header>
<paragraph commented="no" id="ID47d9ea2a724e4fe4ba5f2ea6aa7915a8"><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 and the Deputy Director.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDc85f2262de3e418ba734325f4bf4fbb6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Committee
decisions and recommendations</header>
<subparagraph id="id87D354966C2941CFA958EEC38CC3A99E"><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="IDeab27b36ecd34c4fa5080819affa0094"><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="id1754040A03804ED9B9B16DA380D5D75E"><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 and Deputy Director for
consideration in accordance with section 101(e)(4).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDd45b84d398e24461960d649e34bc71f3"><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="id2B10E79205904D1DB43FA3C148CB7C46"><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="id1D353A5B8DCD4EDEB28BE0CDB00F9CFB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Committee
shall withdraw the recommendation or recommended standard, protocol, or other
material developed by the Committee; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id03F06F9C1B1348FFBAE371ECD86C00F2"><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="ID4674a88f569c4f398368488f5428cdec"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Meetings</header>
<paragraph id="IDdd134ccede954ad5a59afb2ac3d95d5b"><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="idCE45932183024F35AB8BBF00DF856315"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header>
<subparagraph id="id3BC49433373E4EADBCF356761BF928BC"><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="id39540F9BD03E4451A7C5F9CEC76C7FF7"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Open
meetings</header><text>A meeting of a Committee shall be open to the
public.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID8f50b35358ea4c36abdd40127b7e8565"><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="IDa9ebf51fa0724b3caa07ae56a66f82b1"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Votes</header>
<paragraph id="idA747144E73564100BDD5D0882BCAAAD0"><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="id1907F357E7304F95BF79864FCA086244"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Voting
procedures</header>
<subparagraph id="id19D92665CD1A45F4BCE9642220C77012"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Recorded</header><text>All
votes taken by a Committee shall be recorded.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id431FA78940D24E4FA6FC4E02C09FADA3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Remote and
proxy voting</header><text>If necessary, a member of the Committee may cast a
vote—</text>
<clause id="id1604CF3FF379495A8892A6954B6F28FB"><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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id91E9CBD772ED4311B49BF4DD54EA3756"><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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB6CAC268B0B04666BCF9C63A267498E0"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Applicability
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1F630AF33EC34150A3F1B8C7B6A3D865"><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="id63D042024A394F84A5F85F03FFCD6689"><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="idBF57BD8A80DA4EC88D8E05EACF964F0A"><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 chapter 57 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="IDbff34be694ff41b19bbd5f5168d32eb1"><enum>104.</enum><header>Authorization
of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There are
authorized to be appropriated—</text>
<paragraph id="ID7bcf0484ae7342089ca31f06beeabf1f"><enum>(1)</enum><text>$15,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 for the operation and staffing of the
Office;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id5091FE6C761A433B8ECA70251B90CC2D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>$5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 for the operation and staffing of the
Board;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id0757AAF8BBE44336B4D3769E097E295A"><enum>(3)</enum><text>$15,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 for the operation and staffing of the
Committees; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID50d4abac40244824bf4c3c831798cdcd"><enum>(4)</enum><text>$5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 to the National Institute of Standards
and Technology for the oversight, support, and staffing of the
Committees.</text>
</paragraph></section><enum>II</enum><header>Accreditation of
forensic science laboratories</header>
<section id="ID4154e575a0f84352ad1ecb9517608a52"><enum>201.</enum><header>Accreditation
of forensic science laboratories</header>
<subsection id="IDa82edaf4f4a94c199d6cc2434464b3f1"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>On and after the date established under subsection
(b)(2)(D), 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="IDda1ec301e38c41fea30966da375d8bcc"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Procedures for
accreditation</header>
<paragraph id="idE3F4E55966FB4C92B027F1192113CB5B"><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="id3823152650824A80AE1A6645282D5D3E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>recommended
procedures for the accreditation of forensic science laboratories that are
consistent with the recommended standards and criteria developed by the Board
under section 202;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id492AA366D21749C0B89227D3439DAAF4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>recommended
procedures for the periodic review and updating of the accreditation status of
forensic science laboratories;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF565254980E6487F94410FAA270EA2EE"><enum>(C)</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="idCE09068521DC4B468301F4B2B3A3FE80"><enum>(D)</enum><text>a recommendation
regarding the date by which forensic science laboratories should—</text>
<clause id="idB6DE58B086514943975124E0CBDC4B71"><enum>(i)</enum><text>begin the process
of laboratory accreditation; and</text>
</clause><clause id="idF06D466524AA42C7B45045998FAAA947"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>obtain
verification of laboratory accreditation to be eligible to receive Federal
funds.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idAC408AED0708466D935405605271E948"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">After the Director receives the
recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in
accordance with section 101(e)(4), establish—</text>
<subparagraph id="id5C4DB97B72554703B530D48B7F5ED04D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>procedures for
the accreditation of a forensic science laboratory;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id118AF50587284D41BF7ACEED3A9B2E0D"><enum>(B)</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="id1966C2FD46F14F2EA8959C90514FCB1C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the date by which
a forensic science laboratory shall begin the process of accreditation;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9321726EF8F3474BBA932A21F4199009"><enum>(D)</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></subsection><subsection id="IDcaa79e39b3a1429b8c3d96e5815bf247"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Definition</header>
<paragraph id="id4B361611C924436F825B35D3CF59B6A3"><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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id45A9213642F647679CA40566A0AA9A5D"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">After the Director receives the
recommendation of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in
accordance with section 101(e)(4), establish a definition for the term
<term>forensic science laboratory</term>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="id2BCC3E3FEE684066B2AE936CC6C34E19"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Applicability
to Federal agencies</header><text>On and after the date established by the
Director under subsection (b)(2)(D), a Federal agency may not use any 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="ID3f6ffb1592484702a3d3af6f37c7f3d0"><enum>202.</enum><header>Standards for
laboratory accreditation</header>
<subsection id="IDf42d9f1a474e46dc8b00eda5681b1467"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Standards</header>
<paragraph id="ID77daeb7dda7a4532a968b27b05955194"><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 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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2EF18B07BBB14323BCDA97D4DCAAD89C"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">After the Director receives the
recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in
accordance with section 101(e)(4), establish standards for the accreditation of
forensic science laboratories.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDd734e96539a34439beabe44e3860c903"><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="idD0D96F2FCC824554BC6D9166901BD8F8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider—</text>
<clause id="id40EDB119C1DA40088DB9CDD11DE69421"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether any
relevant national 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; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id9B263FEAF4A74E8AB45BEE591E8CBC53"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether any
relevant national 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></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8876510C1F8B4E0E9A67E6AEDE6E9101"><enum>(B)</enum><text>include—</text>
<clause id="IDd0508d12623d4a1eb7ed9b5813307ab4"><enum>(i)</enum><text>educational and
training requirements for relevant laboratory personnel;</text>
</clause><clause id="ID6e5d4abef1274867ba3714b572b326d8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>proficiency and
competency testing requirements for relevant laboratory personnel; and</text>
</clause><clause id="IDc43ddb61a88f4a45ba5874bea5fea522"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>maintenance and
auditing requirements for accredited forensic science laboratories.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID150d25a82a504bbe91875fe6be907b69"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Review of
standards</header>
<paragraph id="IDfc753ef661784844a5106dd45b37d203"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years—</text>
<subparagraph id="id1EC1FA30CCB045B6AE0856BF041C8BE2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Board
shall—</text>
<clause id="id3A5AC69FB9B14BF18CBE4DDDB7ED4D33"><enum>(i)</enum><text>review the scope
and effectiveness of the accreditation standards established under subsection
(a);</text>
</clause><clause id="idECC82AF01E94475CA9C628192344CDB6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>submit
recommendations to the Director relating to whether, and if so, how to update
the standards as necessary to—</text>
<subclause id="id724C87876BE84F3887E3CE772202DB7F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>account for
developments in relevant scientific research and technological advances;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="id749B89D4670F4E958987DA0610410551"><enum>(II)</enum><text>ensure adherence
to the standards and best practices established under title V; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="idF8A8878F9B1942F1BEA0F94E57FACA62"><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="id8AF5F1FC6A544F7AAE82C96F39394724"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Director
shall, as necessary and in accordance with section 101(e)(4), update the
accreditation standards established under subsection (a).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID9c1484a49f8541ee86a28b05f29e652e"><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="id8B42911BA24C42F5BC4679A60911339B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is open and
transparent to the public; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF14E832DF45C438C9B07CFFCFDCD0228"><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="id40961705E38648E188FF6DBEB4180E44"><enum>203.</enum><header>Administration
and enforcement of accreditation program</header>
<subsection id="IDc2f0ab5c00194157bb6b2be16e289a12"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Administration
and enforcement of accreditation program</header>
<paragraph id="id2E66600BF31043BBA7005D6D5D826719"><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="IDb486e539b8b14137826b4deb67b81159"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Administration</header>
<subparagraph id="id98955F1642B54C0C804654DD75DEB5BD"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Director may identify 1 or more qualified accrediting
entities with experience and 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="id9B6EA29795494FACAC3D7A4D6E12B812"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The
Director shall periodically reevaluate whether accreditation by a qualified
accrediting entity identified under subparagraph (A) is adequate to ensure
compliance with the standards and procedures established under this
title.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9990D88688EF4BE88CF8EDDBE8A39D2F"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The
Director shall provide regular reports to the Board regarding the accreditation
of forensic science laboratories by qualified accrediting entities identified
under subparagraph (A) and reevaluations of accreditation by qualified
accrediting entities under subparagraph (B), which shall be published on the
website of the Office.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="ID9d0128b96f894463b149755cf56921af"><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 entity identified under
subparagraph (A) is still in effect.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID17f9f61c096d4f469c1c9c7fd63bb4d7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Website</header><text>The
Director shall develop and maintain on the website of the Office an updated
list of—</text>
<paragraph id="id7E88C5F89BEC4309B29C121FA1F4283E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the forensic
science laboratories that are eligible for Federal funds under section
201(a);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id4626348C3E3D486EA80F0F3D66967C73"><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="id0C0FEDBE298A433FBEB22018D4506DB5"><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="id6F3E76B4486743D6B0269F2C56803ECE"><enum>301.</enum><header>Definitions</header>
<subsection id="idD69FC9A958DC48069395CB6BCA8C225F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Covered
entity</header><text>In this title, the term <term>covered entity</term> means
an entity that—</text>
<paragraph id="idCB76495343264CD884FB498686A9CEC1"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is not a forensic
science laboratory; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id5AB2540094B14015B491D906A8E5A0AA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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></subsection><subsection id="id6D0443E79FF34130A2190BFBDB2C0931"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Relevant
personnel</header>
<paragraph id="id3EFD89C2C79144A486111C0B8B12E8A5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><text>Not
later than 1 year 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 individuals who—</text>
<subparagraph id="idECD031B360794A24873354D786ACEE46"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conduct 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; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3CEB3E80F9E84859BA9ED4B7A9D230FB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>testify about
evidence prepared by an individual described in paragraph (A).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id2FF8DC190A46403AAD9EE999B29F8F30"><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(e)(4), define the term
<term>relevant personnel</term> for purposes of this title.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id4B2EA9D8151147529CD5A71B51305B20"><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="ID071d361e02a34bd1b7b27323c2b8fc13"><enum>303.</enum><header>Standards for
certification</header>
<subsection id="id689AA34CFDE44BFCAC8880EEB7916B0D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommended
standards</header>
<paragraph id="idD01029597B7E41FBB542E58EDF4F4C67"><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="id9AE5C3FCD3034BA1AE45958D9BBA45A2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In
developing recommended standards under paragraph (1), a Committee shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id53EF65448FB14651B4564763BE3BAC17"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consult with
qualified professional organizations;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4F7BE43ADEED42ACA9FDE21403B4F30A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider relevant
certification standards and best practices developed by qualified professional
or scientific organizations;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1B54B248573A4BE584F32E6822000DAF"><enum>(C)</enum><text>consider any
standards or best practices established under title V; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id54404ABFE9F84764865B92DCED0A4F37"><enum>(D)</enum><text>consider—</text>
<clause id="id3CEDF4A3BDAA4FBEAA01D9E474D984E3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>whether certain
minimum standards should be established for the education and training of
relevant personnel;</text>
</clause><clause id="id8A63C9CDEA47437780B8881B8F562486"><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="id8B9661907A71474F816632746B59A899"><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="id961379964D4C4DED90B6EDDC61F0C8B8"><enum>(II)</enum><text>a waiver of
certain educational and training requirements;</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="id7D81AFA876A54137A8069144A71EF1C3"><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="idFD809FD9583C42AE8B10B51E4BC6C7AF"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>whether
certification by recognized and relevant medical boards should be sufficient
for relevant personnel to meet the standards developed under this title.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idF353FE3BA1A44F2BA99B951922F87881"><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="id973576EE932B4E42898BDB9278CC78B9"><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(e)(4), establish standards for the certification of relevant
personnel.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID61210d720f6847fcb946f0d027e5e0e5"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Review of
standards</header>
<paragraph id="idA83C464F22014D31A99976ADBE999D4D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years, a Committee
shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id9A783D7024A44794B4AFA1A261839EAA"><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="id524D27F262C14B21B40DFE3843287BD6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit to the
Board recommendations regarding updates, if any, to the standards for
certification as necessary—</text>
<clause id="idE935C0ADDCF24570B875097E4E50AE1F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to
account for developments in relevant scientific research, technological
advances, or changes in the law; and</text>
</clause><clause id="idEB52C1C2583740D5914642CA68F421F2"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to
ensure adherence to the uniform standards and best practices established under
title V.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id7785A31BBFDE482D8C8042B0A890FD69"><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 commented="no" id="idD5108AECC478469EA21A469058EF930F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consider the
recommendations; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id0EBEDDE1ED574125BBD094EC9F50D8AC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit to the
Director recommendations of uniform standards and best practices for each
forensic science discipline.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idFCF893B9285D46ED809FE2776CA771B4"><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(e)(4), update the standards for
certification of relevant personnel.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDc6e36566f01e4077a9842a288303c774"><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="id050FC4B5B9344266A1424666BA85A426"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is open and
transparent to the public; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id00F8F7DBE4404E8A8AAB7F0B4A448842"><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="IDeafe729cca6949cbb44d412d0933a4f0"><enum>304.</enum><header>Administration
and review of certification program</header>
<subsection id="ID04934e42f634469186776a121538251a"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header>
<paragraph id="idB0F2860D76CD4E959D37B3E31A2DF65A"><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 commented="no" id="id99E1937F4C5043FA98DDDD9515C578BB"><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="IDde5e10ae33a24712968d90ba6a1fa802"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Administration</header>
<paragraph id="id46BB45DC5DE44F86AFBE1E49811D6148"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>After consultation with the Board, the Director may
identify 1 or more qualified professional organizations with experience and
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="idD95D98F313FA41FF8B646246DCC4982F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The
Director shall periodically reevaluate whether certification by a qualified
professional organizations identified under paragraph (1) is adequate to ensure
compliance with the standards established under this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idB3173F701A194ED39020B96410B5C99E"><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 website of
the Office.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID036a1f01d0864895abfe18d7b3edc0f4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Implementation
of certification requirements</header>
<paragraph id="idBB32ABB6E01F45B182C6391D9D218E91"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>After consultation with the Board, the Director shall
establish the date on which forensic science laboratories and covered entities
shall be in compliance with the certification requirements of this
title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idAE4A0D08B90447C9AB9018CD6DA171AA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Gradual
implementation</header><text>The Director shall, in consultation with the Board
and each Committee, establish policies and procedures to enable the gradual
implementation of the certification requirements that—</text>
<subparagraph id="id9E76FC978FA7496182AA46F4ED0228A3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>include a
reasonable schedule to allow relevant personnel to obtain certifications;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1B6C5F599ACF45FEA173FB971746735C"><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).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDb9fef7e0e56a43db963bb994a787159c"><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="IDbd075ac79b8544e58b4196cdab168317"><enum>305.</enum><header>Grants and
technical assistance</header>
<subsection id="id97858CFFF29545AAA83D6DC2DD43603D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director of the
National Institute of Justice, in consultation with the Director, may make
grants and provide technical assistance to forensic science laboratories and
other entities subject to the requirements under this title and title II to
ensure that forensic science laboratories and covered entities are able to
effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the laboratories or entities during
the process of—</text>
<paragraph id="id3D4B07412473412F8664C4C3D3E0C358"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">seeking accreditation under title II;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id61C24B430EEA4B35AA33A9ADEE8B557E"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">obtaining certifications for relevant
personnel under this title.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idCA0B80A2AE244CD9A602540DA9BC4EE0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Authorization
of appropriations</header>
<paragraph id="id5E90A5F7DA3646C78634ED45B7859460"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized
to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 to
the National Institute of Justice for the grant program and technical
assistance described in subsection (a).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idE456C90D7AD6472BA7EEE28322B9ADCA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not less than 75 percent of funds
appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be used for grants under this
section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="id3853513D67B8424AA8106A69C16C6731"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report</header><text>The
Director of the National Institute of Justice shall, on an annual basis, submit
to the Board and the Director a report that describes—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="id2BD69B6C87A0469B8FF8390CD886883E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the application
process for grants under this section;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idF91FF992760B4C369F1D8864474452B1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>each grant made
under this section during the fiscal year before the fiscal year in which the
report is submitted; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id6933CDF2981F423396B074C261552ECE"><enum>(3)</enum><text>as appropriate,
the status and results of any grants previously described in a report submitted
under this subsection.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><enum>IV</enum><header>Research</header>
<section id="ID9cdc1be00f2247c48e51f9907288b437"><enum>401.</enum><header>Research
strategy and priorities</header>
<subsection id="ID99f184537f544d7e910f658380176afd"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Comprehensive
research strategy and agenda</header>
<paragraph id="idF3BCCCEB0CFA4DB993E0B83683A927BF"><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 accuracy, reliability, and validity in
the forensic science disciplines.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id26487127379D4FDEB923B89AFF86816C"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">After the Director receives recommendations
from the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in accordance with
section 101(e)(4), establish a comprehensive strategy for fostering and
improving peer-reviewed scientific research relating to the forensic science
disciplines.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id96FD7D83E81B492FBF9E09F7ADEEDAB9"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Review</header>
<subparagraph id="id6C480751BFC54E6897591D246F349760"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Board
review</header><text>Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Board
shall—</text>
<clause id="idBDFE37E101DD42F396C707929482CE3E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>review the
comprehensive strategy established under paragraph (2); and</text>
</clause><clause id="idFF65AC5517094A389E92EC78EBF55C34"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>recommend any
necessary updates to the comprehensive strategy.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id315240C54885439480144A5CD6620ED6"><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(e)(4), update the
comprehensive strategy as necessary and appropriate.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDbdc55453afdc4aad9301359876b80ec6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Research
funding priorities</header>
<paragraph id="id1AD05972436D4B4C94368FD48B9576EA"><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 commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idDAA07B016D7E4F3FAB8EEA2B78C1B636"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">After the Director receives the list from
the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in accordance with section
101(e)(4), establish a list of priorities for forensic science research
funding.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idBEC166D3243F44729B7D8617CFD33923"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not less frequently than once every 2
years, the Board shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id7CCCE3566AD04102A12F7B2137E46E04"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">review—</text>
<clause id="id2332D2B7829B40198E29F4A4958889AF"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the list of priorities established under
paragraph (2); and</text>
</clause><clause id="id0562D0177CD843B8A33E0F6B8219D645"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the findings of the relevant Committees
made under subsection (c); and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFB68B43E7B34498DB4ED829105193D39"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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="idFB01374352B54AB6B9F127872803C164"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Updates</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">After the Director receives the
recommendations under paragraph (3), the Director shall, in accordance with
section 101(e)(4), update as necessary the list of research funding
priorities.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID9ce077a2c314472784dbf7361dcfbb10"><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="id39A4A8337FEA4D5CA4E877BC5790332A"><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="id37C52513B5694B53BBCC6402082550D4"><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="id73AC3C0F8D464DD98E635AFFF22AE0C2"><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="id252A99BA14E14B319F161866C0DBF573"><enum>(4)</enum><text>develop and
submit to the Board a list of research needs and priorities.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID1c248da1f2344a24b84e8a0f555f6348"><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="ID8236696eb1b44f7e86876f8e5a54fb92"><enum>402.</enum><header>Research
grants</header>
<subsection id="IDcc392a00ed114ef29bde601122a77f07"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Competitive
grants</header>
<paragraph id="id39735DFCD2B94857A04AACF9D20E70B4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>In
this subsection, the term <term>eligible entity</term> means—</text>
<subparagraph id="idA07CB4B8C52844178AF3C9D8FB096994"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a nonprofit
academic or research institution; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6A95379FED314678828F1371EC0C3F0D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any other entity
designated by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idF486F93996D141ADBC05CF0828C609E6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Peer-review
research grants</header>
<subparagraph id="idAE7B2309E6F44624A2B3422F3FFE1F8C"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology may, on a competitive basis, make grants to eligible entities to
conduct peer-reviewed scientific research.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id11FF9008B67A4A30895CBC3ACE96023E"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Consideration</header><text>In
making grants under this paragraph, the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology shall—</text>
<clause id="idDB8C2924A86F438DAE903A1970E2A457"><enum>(i)</enum><text>ensure that
grants made under this paragraph are for peer-reviewed scientific research in
areas that are consistent with the research priorities established by the
Director under section 401(b); and</text>
</clause><clause id="id209F544756854294AEB1DD34A05E0C02"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>take into
consideration the research needs identified by the Committees under section
401(c).</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id007392AEE0DE4EB2BFDA668D6B8F7381"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Development of
new technologies</header><text>The Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology 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="id5421524BA293467E83BC3AA1B576D476"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Coordination
with Director</header><text>In making grants under this subsection, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="idE87166C2AEEF4E4B87EC03D7699DDA06"><enum>(A)</enum><text>coordinate with
the Director; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5B9BBC4CB820416AA77AC87921C4DD97"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider the plan
established under section 404.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id5DB9B439F25D4B2791CA1B5DE6B5AED4"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Coordination
with the National Science Foundation</header><text>The Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology shall consult and coordinate with the
National Science Foundation to ensure—</text>
<subparagraph id="id8CD67154DE584F8CB1A11ECCCD646CA4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the integrity of
the process for reviewing funding proposals and awarding grants under this
subsection; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4B02012DA77944C69E96527CA720FED8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>that the
grant-making process is not subject to any undue bias or influence.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID3360f44a7b964972852cd126c2ae764c"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report</header>
<paragraph id="idBD56BEC47A824DF4AD7BB049711650A3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header>
<subparagraph id="id53B2DBE32F62402D81A127AE0D787181"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Submission</header><text>The
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall, on an
annual basis, submit to the Board and the Director a report that
describes—</text>
<clause id="id6E92A7E8C69C46888C0A11A4397599D9"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the
application process for grants under this section;</text>
</clause><clause id="idA14AB524E83340A2AE137728F99A186A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>each grant made
under this section in the fiscal year before the report is submitted;
and</text>
</clause><clause id="id2C070672E60E42B2B44E359539C79BEB"><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="id29159F592DCC47E4981A05E4D55736B5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Publication</header><text>The
Director shall publish the report submitted under subparagraph (A) on the
website of the Office.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idCA2CBBC30AAF4DC99C8345758144C9DE"><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><subsection id="ID598ffe73c5d2425f8ba81c73a7bd04e3"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Authorization
of appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated—</text>
<paragraph id="idB20B24AC46234C3EB42E61312828228D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>$75,000,000 to
the National Institute of Standards and Technology for each of fiscal years
2012 through 2016 for grants under subsection (a)(2); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idE5A835EC4BBB407E8389A7F8D1DE3804"><enum>(2)</enum><text>$15,000,000 to
the National Institute of Standards and Technology for each of fiscal years
2012 through 2016 for grants under subsection (a)(3).</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID502a7b39d58349c2a36c9b5b62c3591e"><enum>403.</enum><header>Oversight and
review</header>
<subsection id="IDd2b4f7506b1e4a578313a32546fef1d1"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Reports</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 this subsection 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="id540331FFDE20481CBE7AB5FEDFFBA304"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>Each
report submitted under this section shall evaluate—</text>
<paragraph id="id8875B6B92930408E9D38D9664E42D4D4"><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="id7C95B4E9DC864F77A4C7120B417B2143"><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="id6ECF35EFF5AE432B9233870055E01C46"><enum>404.</enum><header>Public-private
collaboration</header>
<subsection id="ID6b61d3d1dc50436891752979b85499d5"><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="id33BBB5C0564049B5A5950E18DD9DCC5B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The
plan recommended under subsection (a) shall include—</text>
<paragraph id="IDb4de099f406e4f998fd8c974d3c84b53"><enum>(1)</enum><text>incentives for
nongovernmental entities to invest significant resources into conducting
necessary research in the forensic sciences;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID3bc3205a53f04c6588eedf0cca9ac2c5"><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="id374869D5BEF745B7B04A400D85FAD914"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Committees in
developing standards under this Act; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA579871DF3EC4AB0AF17292691475605"><enum>(B)</enum><text>forensic science
personnel; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDa95f1538a77047dd8a76bea471d74577"><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="ID416972b46e124d9da4770523d295cd03"><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(e)(4), 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="ID12e23511b54e46b8936be9dcb03e08a9"><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="IDc99e5dd16d50429da633cd02d68d20b1"><enum>501.</enum><header>Development of
standards and best practices</header>
<subsection id="ID2559fd63a48c4d659aaa8eaab73c3209"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Committee
recommendations</header>
<paragraph id="id9A19B9624CE74774A920B72663FDD66E"><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 uniform standards and best practices
for each forensic science discipline addressed by the Committee,
including—</text>
<subparagraph id="idC05CC4AC6C624FC99FBB18504528CF69"><enum>(A)</enum><text>standard
protocols;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id91F43141DA8443249D3C2E0BCAB02FDC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>quality assurance
standards; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id12DE086EE7474A8AA48A8B2814E381D6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>standard
terminology for use 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="id61C2CD4DD7904269BCE2FBBE74C0AAD4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In
developing the uniform standards and best practices under paragraph (1), a
Committee shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="idFBFF9AF3AC474A7E98F2EC4ADEA5B82C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>as appropriate,
consult with qualified professional organizations; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF983D4BDF8044781827400913E69011D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>develop uniform
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.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID15ed3c2cc8fc4e68b0eb412c3677295c"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Board
recommendations</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date on which a
Committee submits recommended uniform standards and best practices under
subsection (a), the Board shall, in accordance with section 103(f)(2)—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="id5CC99D12E4D2439B8B1E05DB006759E0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>consider the
recommendations; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id25E81B54D13847B4ADC9DECD8D41E3CC"><enum>(2)</enum><text>submit to the
Director recommendations of uniform standards and best practices.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID512efa736b564c0091bd35e76f590b57"><enum>502.</enum><header>Establishment
and dissemination of standards and best practices</header>
<subsection id="ID141295399bf24461a4f93fd80fcea099"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>After the Board submits uniform standards or best
practices for a forensic science discipline under section 501(b), the Director
shall, in accordance with section 101(e)(4), establish and disseminate uniform
standards and best practices for the forensic science discipline.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="IDea0e62cc203a4151b441b93f21760a6e"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Publication</header><text>The
Director shall publish the uniform standards and best practices established
under subsection (a) on the website of the Office.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="IDe6d614eedf0844d29052434d81eaaeac"><enum>503.</enum><header>Review and
oversight</header>
<subsection id="IDfa9e8e1421374954b108c42a948a5363"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Review by
Committees</header>
<paragraph id="id2D0807795107439B97DB9FA81E922414"><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
uniform standards and best practices established under section 502 for each
forensic science discipline within the responsibility of the Committee.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id6D4DD531C32144F581AACF2D5EB56B43"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text>In
reviewing, and developing recommended updates to, the uniform standards and
best practices under paragraph (1), a Committee shall consider—</text>
<subparagraph id="id22991DA6ADC44A5D84C80309D3E6FEAB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>input from
qualified professional organizations;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE0DCE21985EC43E899067DF17C0EA376"><enum>(B)</enum><text>research
published after the date on which the uniform standards and best practices were
established, including research conducted under title IV; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC07D60906CA84A709F75A40F66DE8AE0"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any changes to
relevant law made after the date on which the uniform standards and best
practices were established.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idA1FFC73790BB452697AB4E9570FF8690"><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 uniform standards and best
practices under subsection (a), the Board shall, in accordance with section
103(f)(2)—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="id0CA9A892CBB94AE2878C4B4E8CD4498D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>consider the
recommendations; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id390F2776B5AF4BB8A98D52CA07D99358"><enum>(2)</enum><text>recommend to the
Director any updates, as necessary, to the uniform standards and best practices
established under section 502.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id663C2636491D403AA007D1E0F461E6A5"><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(e)(4), update and disseminate
the uniform standards and best practices for each forensic science discipline
as necessary.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID217f94fb21da402da2c896d3416edb71"><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 uniform standards
and best practices—</text>
<paragraph id="idF1994542627B46ABA6A40560771B5D59"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is open and
transparent to the public; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id5062CFD4954B47B4964BBA0102DE1313"><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="ID87317d1ebb6f4bcc96db59e6463d6bb4"><enum>601.</enum><header>Forensic
science training and education for judges, attorneys, and law enforcement
personnel</header>
<subsection id="IDd85dc588eb044f74b7738f43f09866f2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header>
<paragraph id="idB87D1C04D80948DA889C6C1DED4A01AD"><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="id6DDE840E093F46308897E4C654E05B05"><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="id991776EA366C4704A0CEC08D16B48B31"><enum>(B)</enum><text>developing a
standardized curriculum for education and training described in subparagraph
(A).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID0419bb537880442188b41ccaeb263c2c"><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(e)(4), and implement a plan
for—</text>
<subparagraph id="idE1AF853BD2D34D2BB415997452F5B345"><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="id097070EB02AD4215AD7EC56798D110DA"><enum>(B)</enum><text>developing a
standardized curriculum for education and training described in subparagraph
(A).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID73ef1e0d10944a53ae4ef4fa976b67d7"><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="ID2f7d2abeb2324e38881df9e95dbc02f9"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Grant
program</header>
<paragraph id="idEBB9A4C3DF5849E9B4F15D475DCFD2E2"><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="id566114AECD7E40B7B605E41A59F080D9"><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="idA50F89E5BA4340E4B96CA3FE6362B7A6"><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="IDa2d00f8940664d768813ca7336615659"><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><paragraph id="IDcbb0b6896869448c84c5b80f617ffb6b"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Authorization
of appropriations</header>
<subparagraph id="idE35B60A953FB4243AD352DBEB22E13A3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to the Director of
the National Institute of Justice $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012
through 2016 for grants and technical assistance under this subsection.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id36D9002AE80541E09EC46ED0D6B9ACCD"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>Not
less than 75 percent of the funds appropriated pursuant to this paragraph shall
be used for grants under this subsection.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ID32696f7c8b21465c910ebde599c6be0c"><enum>602.</enum><header>Educational
programs in the forensic sciences</header>
<subsection id="id1664BF85E0AF42BE85F1F04351F7DA52"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the Director—</text>
<paragraph id="id530A9F2014B74E999372C45D7CC2034D"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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="id5C6EBAA76B324BFC939AEEF55C7A2270"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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="ID5dc6dc85de654a2281743d38b80e35b1"><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(e)(4), and implement—</text>
<paragraph id="idE8CC725647C84566A7B8FED49D013245"><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="id29F264E1990E4504973D4B2420F86BF8"><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="IDa9b72076812b44d796796d2136a5a97a"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The
Director, in consultation with the Board, shall—</text>
<paragraph id="idEFDC8D3097D04D56B6D5E4F928390014"><enum>(1)</enum><text>oversee the
implementation of any standards or requirements established under subsection
(b); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id5317875870B04A859D6CAF17B1091699"><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="ID01ace0e4458f428d9501d4d3d850e843"><enum>603.</enum><header>Medical-legal
death examination</header>
<subsection id="id473727231AAD442C8127F48AFA99BE81"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the Director—</text>
<paragraph id="id81F13613181946259A4DC9889D28A855"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a recommended plan to encourage the Federal
Government and State and local governments to implement systems to ensure that
qualified individuals perform medical-legal death examinations and to encourage
qualified individuals to enter the field of medical-legal death examination;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id657F41258B1A46B3A8007E7527254FCD"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">recommendations on whether and how the
requirements, standards and regulations established under this Act should apply
to individuals who perform medical-legal death examinations.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id82FD4E1493664E02B8ED014FE6A9C054"><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(e)(4), and implement—</text>
<paragraph id="id896E4980026B496E96F850FC7E386A83"><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 medical-legal death
examinations and to encourage qualified individuals to enter the field of
medical-legal death examination; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id835909A350DA4EC486A81A6B9AD48A57"><enum>(2)</enum><text>any specific or
additional standards or requirements for individuals who perform medical-death
examinations determined by the Director to be appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idA5A94AB17617451EA23A3C9826479462"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The
Director, in consultation with the Board, shall—</text>
<paragraph id="idD6C2CD89429D4679A54EC561FF6AC2ED"><enum>(1)</enum><text>oversee the
implementation of any standards or requirements established under subsection
(b)(2); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id449715F1FE7845539E658BDCF5B6C472"><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="ID184e7bd0af654184acbfcf7a0035b31c"><enum>604.</enum><header>Inter-governmental
coordination</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Board and the
Director shall regularly—</text>
<paragraph id="ID76ccd49004d84efaa69cad557426eec9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>coordinate with
relevant Federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the
Department of Defense, and the National Institutes of Health, as appropriate,
to make efficient and appropriate use of research expertise and funding;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDf658e14231ca49569c86032ef813de5a"><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.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="ID46a90ae46e414f3abf04d713e5e2b515"><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 website that has
appropriate guarantees of anonymity and confidentiality and protections for
whistleblowers.</text>
</section><section id="IDbc580cb928a2491baf41ef81693c4284"><enum>606.</enum><header>Interoperability
of databases and technologies</header>
<subsection id="idCBBD70FF655948FE9653CA961A496A45"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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 with the private sector.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="idD309E72405564D7AB56DCB978D791E92"><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(e)(4), 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 with the private sector.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="id5ACFEF35102F423AA947DBF5B81C46AA"><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="IDf29e031043bb48709f60df35c75443c9"><enum>607.</enum><header>Code of
ethics</header>
<subsection id="idA370EB3D88B04AA3B3B8351C55688E16"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Recommendations</header>
<paragraph id="id3B8759482238432594374EFDC9C0C0A2"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 3
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="id8D0B3DE202074A4C9E095EE4BE330F50"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>In
developing a recommended code of ethics under paragraph (1), the Board
shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id7350C4A260C14B7FB2AC36FE2DCC85EF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consult with
relevant qualified professional organizations; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFE6D6747BDA949F7BEC25CF8FE25A400"><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="id83AD77AFC9D24DDD8F71E693D63C5FE7"><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="idC5F6BE26C1164A3687EF23C0E0DD1712"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in accordance
with section 101(e)(4), establish a code of ethics for the forensic science
disciplines; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id2C5EB60323D844E9B11E32509F2C48B1"><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="id896F75CC717E499AA05EE659218C2FED"><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>