IL SB2081

Creates the Forensic Science Act allowing convicted persons to file petitions for relief based on new forensic scientific evidence that was unavailable at trial or that undermines prosecution evidence.

Petitions must assert the petitioner did not commit the crime and provide specific facts showing the forensic evidence is now available but was not ascertainable through reasonable diligence at the time of trial or guilty plea.

Courts shall grant relief if the new forensic scientific evidence would have created a reasonable likelihood the petitioner would not have been convicted.

When determining if evidence was reasonably ascertainable, courts must consider whether forensic scientific evidence has changed since the trial date or previous application date.

Effective July 1, 2019; does not create additional liability for experts whose opinions are repudiated or undermined by later scientific research or technological advancements.