SF1187 Summary

• Changes the Forensic Laboratory Advisory Board's duties from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall"), including developing reporting systems for professional negligence or misconduct and requiring laboratories to investigate allegations in a timely manner.

• Requires all forensic laboratories to become accredited by ASCLD/LAB or another accrediting body conforming to ISO/IEC 17025 standards, and mandates annual reporting of accreditation status to the board.

• Adds new duties for the board to maintain a clearinghouse for forensic analysis information, resources, and best practices, and establishes a public record of accredited laboratories and those working toward accreditation.

• Provides immunity from civil, administrative, or criminal liability for board members and agents acting in execution of their duties, and protects investigative data and witness identities from public disclosure until investigations are completed.

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