Forensic DNA Backlog Recuction Program Legislation

In November 2005, President Bush signed the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 108-447, Division B, Title 1). The Act appropriated ~ $108 million for a DNA analysis and capacity enhancement program. A portion of that amount is being made available to eliminate casework backlogs for DNA analysis.

Authorization

For NIJ's No Suspect Casework DNA Backlog Reduction program:

  • Justice for All Act of 2004. Public Law 108-405 (HR 108-711). Establishes enforceable rights for victims of crimes; enhances DNA collection and analysis efforts; provides for post-conviction DNA testing; and authorizes grants to improve the quality of representation in state capital cases.
  • DNA Backlog Elimination Act (2000). Public Law 106-546 (HR 4640), 42 U.S.C.§14135a. To make grants to States for carrying out DNA analyses for use in the Combined DNA Index System of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to provide for the collection and analysis of DNA samples from certain violent and sexual offenders for use in such system, and for other purposes. Including "To carry out, for inclusion in such Combined DNA Index System, DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes."
  • Crime Information Technology Act (1996), authorized with the passage of Public Law 105-251 (S. 2022). To provide for the improvement of interstate criminal justice identification, information, communications, and forensics. CITA allowed for grants for programs relating to the identification and analysis of DNA.
  • DNA Identification Act of 1994. Public Law 103-322 (HR 3355). This Act modifies the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by inserting provisions regulating funding of DNA analysis laboratories and authorizing the collection of an index of DNA records and samples, all of which are designed to enhance quality assurance.

Appropriations