House Bill 6026 Summary

• Creates the Forensic Science Commission within the legislative council, composed of 10 governor-appointed members including forensic scientists, pathologists, university professors, and representatives from prosecution and defense bar associations.

• Establishes a reporting and investigation system for professional negligence, misconduct, or nonconformance by forensic laboratories that affects the integrity of forensic science or medical results.

• Requires the commission to investigate alleged misconduct upon receiving reports or on its own initiative with approval of 6+ members, and to publish investigation reports publicly while notifying affected defendants.

• Mandates that beginning January 1, 2020, all forensic laboratories and forensic science/medical service providers in Michigan must be accredited by bodies meeting FBI quality assurance standards and holding International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation signatory status.

• Prohibits the commission from making findings regarding guilt or innocence in any underlying trial or pending case related to its investigations.