AR HB1805

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-12-312 to clarify that State Crime Laboratory records remain privileged and confidential, releasable only by court order, prosecuting attorney, or public defender having jurisdiction over the case.

Allows the State Crime Laboratory to communicate non-criminal death investigation findings directly to the decedent's next of kin (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, adult children, or legal guardians) without prior authorization.

Requires the prosecuting attorney to promptly disclose to a defendant or their attorney any evidence in the laboratory's possession that negates guilt or would reduce punishment, while maintaining defendants' full access rights to all case records.

Permits the Department of Health to access autopsy records for quality improvement purposes under the Trauma System Act.

Requires preservation and retention of all laboratory records related to capital offenses until execution of the defendant sentenced to death.