NY A03969

Reforms the Commission on Forensic Science as a 9-member independent agency with members appointed by the governor, senate majority leader, assembly speaker, attorney general, SUNY chancellor, CUNY chancellor, and state chief privacy officer, including experts in forensic science, prosecution, defense, statistics, racial justice, and cognitive bias

Creates three permanent advisory committees: a Scientific Advisory Committee to oversee laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing, a Social Justice, Ethics and Equity Assessment Committee to conduct equity assessments and address racial disparities in forensic methods, and a Forensic Analyst License Advisory Committee to oversee licensing requirements

Establishes a mandatory licensing system for forensic analysts requiring education, coursework, examination, and proficiency testing, with disciplinary procedures including revocation, suspension, probation, or censure for professional negligence or misconduct

Expands the definition of "forensic laboratory" to include any agency operated by or contracted with state or local law enforcement that performs forensic testing, and broadens "forensic testing" to cover physical, chemical, digital, or biometric examination of evidence

Requires annual public reports on non-conformities, professional misconduct disclosures, and operational statistics, with investigation findings and disciplinary decisions made publicly available on the commission's website