AR SB646

Records, files, and information from the State Crime Laboratory are privileged and confidential, with access granted to defendants, their attorneys, and prosecuting attorneys for criminal cases.

Records may only be released to other persons or entities by court order or authorization from the prosecuting attorney with criminal jurisdiction or the public defender assigned to the case.

In non-criminal death cases, the laboratory may communicate with the decedent's next of kin or designee (including parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, adult children, or legal guardians) without prior authorization.

The Department of Health may access autopsy records for implementing quality improvement provisions under the Trauma System Act.

All records, files, and information pertaining to capital offenses where the defendant is sentenced to death must be preserved and retained until the defendant's execution.