Session Law 2013-171 (Senate Bill 630) Summary

• Blood and urine samples subject to chemical analysis for alcohol or controlled substances may be destroyed 12 months after case filing or trial court conclusion (whichever is later), unless a Motion to Preserve is filed.

• Laboratory reports and analyst affidavits on chemical analysis are now admissible as evidence without analyst testimony if defendant fails to file written objection within required notice periods (15 business days notice, 5 business days to object).

• Chain of custody statements for blood, urine, and controlled substance evidence are admissible without witness testimony if defendant fails to timely object to their introduction.

• DNA expunction processing timeline extended from 30 days to 90 days for the State Bureau of Investigation to determine eligibility and notify defendants of expunction or ineligibility.

• Most provisions become effective December 1, 2013, applying to proceedings held on or after that date; blood evidence disposition provision is effective immediately upon enactment.