IL HB0384

Creates the Illinois Forensic Science Commission within the Illinois State Police to provide guidance on efficient delivery of forensic services and sound forensic science practices.

Commission duties include reviewing non-conformities at publicly-funded forensic laboratories, providing training and educational opportunities for forensic scientists and criminal justice professionals, and analyzing the impact of laws and policies on forensic laboratories.

Commission membership consists of the Director of Illinois State Police, one director from each publicly-funded forensic laboratory system, prosecutors and defense attorneys, three forensic scientists, a retired judge, an academic specialist, and community representatives, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval.

All State and local publicly-funded forensic laboratories must annually report to the Commission on significant non-conformities, including how they were detected, their nature and extent, corrective actions taken, and effectiveness analysis.

State's Attorneys must promptly notify relevant forensic laboratories upon disposition, withdrawal, or dismissal of any criminal charge, using any reasonable means of notification including email or telephone.