AR SB172

Records kept by the State Crime Laboratory remain privileged and confidential but must be granted to defendants, their attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, and the Attorney General or designee for access to criminal case records.

Laboratory may communicate non-criminal death case information to decedent's next of kin (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, adult children, or legal guardians) without prior authorization.

Prosecuting attorney must promptly disclose to defendant or defense attorney any evidence tending to negate guilt or reduce punishment.

Laboratory cannot provide photographs of crime scenes, crime victims, or autopsy images to defendants in Department of Corrections custody, but this does not prevent attorneys from accessing photos or courts from ordering their provision upon showing reasonable need.

Act becomes effective immediately upon Governor approval due to emergency declaration that inmate possession of such photographs compromises correctional facility security.