MN HF1102

Changes the Forensic Laboratory Advisory Board's duties from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") regarding development of reporting systems, requiring laboratories to report professional negligence or misconduct, investigating allegations, and requiring accreditation by ASCLD/LAB or equivalent body.

Adds new duty for the board to develop and maintain a clearinghouse for information, resources, and best practices on forensic analysis and forensic laboratories.

Requires forensic laboratories to submit annual accreditation status reports to the board and mandates the board maintain and make public a record of accredited laboratories and those working toward accreditation.

Establishes protections including immunity for board members from civil, administrative, or criminal liability; prohibits retaliation against employees reporting negligence or misconduct; and protects confidentiality of investigation data and whistleblower identities.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund to the Forensic Laboratory Advisory Board for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.