CHAPTER 407—DNA IDENTIFICATION

SUBCHAPTER I—COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

        

SUBCHAPTER II—TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH, AND EXPANDED USE

        

SUBCHAPTER III—DNA ARRESTEE COLLECTION PROCESSES

        

SUBCHAPTER I—COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

§40701. The Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program

(a) Authorization of grants

The Attorney General may make grants to eligible States or units of local government for use by the State or unit of local government for the following purposes:

(1) To carry out, for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, DNA analyses of samples collected under applicable legal authority.

(2) To carry out, for inclusion in such Combined DNA Index System, DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes, prioritizing, to the extent practicable consistent with public safety considerations ¹ samples from rape kits, samples from other sexual assault evidence, and samples taken in cases without an identified suspect.

(3) To increase the capacity of laboratories owned by the State or by units of local government to carry out DNA analyses of samples specified in paragraph (1) or (2).

(4) To collect DNA samples specified in paragraph (1).

(5) To ensure that DNA testing and analysis of samples from crimes, including sexual assault and other serious violent crimes, are carried out in a timely manner.

(6) Repealed. Pub. L. 113–4, title X, §1006, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 134.

(7) To conduct an audit consistent with subsection (n) of the samples of sexual assault evidence that are in the possession of the State or unit of local government and are awaiting testing.

(8) To ensure that the collection and processing of DNA evidence by law enforcement agencies from crimes, in particular, sexual assault and other violent crimes against persons, is carried out in an appropriate and timely manner and in accordance with the protocols and practices developed under subsection (o)(1).

(9) To increase the capacity of State and local prosecution offices to address the backlog of violent crime cases in which suspects have been identified through DNA evidence.

(b) Eligibility

For a State or unit of local government to be eligible to receive a grant under this section, the chief executive officer of the State or unit of local government shall submit to the Attorney General an application in such form and containing such information as the Attorney General may require. The application shall, as required by the Attorney General—

(1) provide assurances that the State or unit of local government has implemented, or will implement not later than 120 days after the date of such application, a comprehensive plan for the expeditious DNA analysis of samples in accordance with this section;

(2) include a certification that each DNA analysis carried out under the plan shall be maintained pursuant to the privacy requirements described in section 12592(b)(3) of this title;

(3) include a certification that the State or unit of local government has determined, by statute, rule, or regulation, those offenses under State law that shall be treated for purposes of this section as qualifying State offenses;

(4) specify the allocation that the State or unit of local government shall make, in using grant amounts to carry out DNA analyses of samples, as between samples specified in subsection (a)(1) and samples specified in subsection (a)(2);

(5) specify that portion of grant amounts that the State or unit of local government shall use for the purpose specified in subsection (a)(3);

(6) if submitted by a unit of local government, certify that the unit of local government has taken, or is taking, all necessary steps to ensure that it is eligible to include, directly or through a State law enforcement agency, all analyses of samples for which it has requested funding in the Combined DNA Index System;

(7) specify that portion of grant amounts that the State or unit of local government shall use for the purpose specified in subsection (a)(4); and

(8) provide assurances that the DNA section of the laboratory to be used to conduct DNA analyses has a written policy that prioritizes the analysis of, to the extent practicable consistent with public safety considerations, samples from homicides and sexual assaults.

(c) Formula for distribution of grants

(1) In general

The Attorney General shall distribute grant amounts, and establish appropriate grant conditions under this section, in conformity with a formula or formulas that are designed to effectuate a distribution of funds among eligible States and units of local government that—

(A) maximizes the effective utilization of DNA technology to solve crimes and protect public safety; and

(B) allocates grants among eligible entities fairly and efficiently to address jurisdictions in which significant backlogs exist, by considering—

(i) the number of offender and casework samples awaiting DNA analysis in a jurisdiction;

(ii) the population in the jurisdiction; and

(iii) the number of part 1 violent crimes in the jurisdiction.

(2) Minimum amount

The Attorney General shall allocate to each State not less than 0.50 percent of the total amount appropriated in a fiscal year for grants under this section, except that the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands shall each be allocated 0.125 percent of the total appropriation.

(3) Limitation

Grant amounts distributed under paragraph (1) shall be awarded to conduct DNA analyses of samples from casework or from victims of crime under subsection (a)(2) in accordance with the following limitations:

(A) For fiscal year 2009, not less than 40 percent of the grant amounts shall be awarded for purposes under subsection (a)(2).

(B) For each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2024, not less than 40 percent of the grant amounts shall be awarded for purposes under subsection (a)(2).

(C) For each of fiscal years 2019 through 2024, not less than 75 percent of the total grant amounts shall be awarded for a combination of purposes under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a).

(4) Allocation of grant awards for audits

For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2029, not less than 5 percent, but not more than 7 percent, of the grant amounts distributed under paragraph (1) shall, if sufficient applications to justify such amounts are received by the Attorney General, be awarded for purposes described in subsection (a)(7), provided that none of the funds required to be distributed under this paragraph shall decrease or otherwise limit the availability of funds required to be awarded to States or units of local government under paragraph (3).

(5) Allocation of grant awards for prosecutors

For each fiscal year, not less than 5 percent, but not more than 7 percent, of the grant amounts distributed under paragraph (1) shall, if sufficient applications to justify such amounts are received by the Attorney General, be awarded for purposes described in subsection (a)(9), provided that none of the funds required to be distributed under this paragraph shall decrease or otherwise limit the availability of funds required to be awarded to States or units of local government under paragraph (3).

(d) Analysis of samples

(1) In general

A plan pursuant to subsection (b)(1) shall require that, except as provided in paragraph (3), each DNA analysis be carried out in a laboratory that satisfies quality assurance standards and is—

(A) operated by the State or a unit of local government; or

(B) operated by a private entity pursuant to a contract with the State or a unit of local government.

(2) Quality assurance standards

(A) The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall maintain and make available to States and units of local government a description of quality assurance protocols and practices that the Director considers adequate to assure the quality of a forensic laboratory.

(B) For purposes of this section, a laboratory satisfies quality assurance standards if the laboratory satisfies the quality control requirements described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 12592(b) of this title.

(3) Use of vouchers or contracts for certain purposes

(A) In general

A grant for the purposes specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (5) of subsection (a) may be made in the form of a voucher or contract for laboratory services, even if the laboratory makes a reasonable profit for the services.

(B) Redemption

A voucher or contract under subparagraph (A) may be redeemed at a laboratory operated on a nonprofit or for-profit basis, by a private entity that satisfies quality assurance standards and has been approved by the Attorney General.

(C) Payments

The Attorney General may use amounts authorized under subsection (j) to make payments to a laboratory described under subparagraph (B).

(e) Restrictions on use of funds

(1) Nonsupplanting

Funds made available pursuant to this section shall not be used to supplant State or local government funds, but shall be used to increase the amount of funds that would, in the absence of Federal funds, be made available from State or local government sources for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Administrative costs

A State or unit of local government may not use more than 3 percent of the funds it receives from this section for administrative expenses.

(f) Reports to the Attorney General

Each State or unit of local government which receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Attorney General, for each year in which funds from a grant received under this section is expended, a report at such time and in such manner as the Attorney General may reasonably require, which contains—

(1) a summary of the activities carried out under the grant and an assessment of whether such activities are meeting the needs identified in the application; and

(2) such other information as the Attorney General may require.

(g) Reports to Congress

Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year for which grants are made under this section, the Attorney General shall submit to the Congress a report that includes—

(1) the aggregate amount of grants made under this section to each State or unit of local government for such fiscal year;

(2) a summary of the information provided by States or units of local government receiving grants under this section; and

(3) a description of the priorities and plan for awarding grants among eligible States and units of local government, and how such plan will ensure the effective use of DNA technology to solve crimes and protect public safety.

(h) Expenditure records

(1) In general

Each State or unit of local government which receives a grant under this section shall keep records as the Attorney General may require to facilitate an effective audit of the receipt and use of grant funds received under this section.

(2) Access

Each State or unit of local government which receives a grant under this section shall make available, for the purpose of audit and examination, such records as are related to the receipt or use of any such grant.

(i) Definition

For purposes of this section, the term "State" means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

(j) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General for grants under subsection (a) $151,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2029.

(k) Use of funds for accreditation and audits

The Attorney General may distribute not more than 1 percent of the grant amounts under subsection (j)—

(1) to States or units of local government to defray the costs incurred by laboratories operated by each such State or unit of local government in preparing for accreditation or reaccreditation;

(2) in the form of additional grants to States, units of local government, or nonprofit professional organizations of persons actively involved in forensic science and nationally recognized within the forensic science community—

(A) to defray the costs of external audits of laboratories operated by such State or unit of local government, which participates in the National DNA Index System, to determine whether the laboratory is in compliance with quality assurance standards;

(B) to assess compliance with any plans submitted to the National Institute of Justice, which detail the use of funds received by States or units of local government under this Act; and

(C) to support future capacity building efforts; and

(3) in the form of additional grants to nonprofit professional associations actively involved in forensic science and nationally recognized within the forensic science community to defray the costs of training persons who conduct external audits of laboratories operated by States and units of local government and which participate in the National DNA Index System.

(l) Use of funds for other forensic sciences

The Attorney General may award a grant under this section to a State or unit of local government to alleviate a backlog of cases with respect to a forensic science other than DNA analysis if the State or unit of local government—

(1) certifies to the Attorney General that in such State or unit—

(A) all of the purposes set forth in subsection (a) have been met;

(B) a significant backlog of casework is not waiting for DNA analysis; and

(C) there is no need for significant laboratory equipment, supplies, or additional personnel for timely DNA processing of casework or offender samples; and

(2) demonstrates to the Attorney General that such State or unit requires assistance in alleviating a backlog of cases involving a forensic science other than DNA analysis.

(m) External audits and remedial efforts

In the event that a laboratory operated by a State or unit of local government which has received funds under this Act has undergone an external audit conducted to determine whether the laboratory is in compliance with standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and, as a result of such audit, identifies measures to remedy deficiencies with respect to the compliance by the laboratory with such standards, the State or unit of local government shall implement any such remediation as soon as practicable.

(n) Repealed. Pub. L. 113–4, title X, §1006, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 134

(o) Establishment of protocols, technical assistance, and definitions

(1) Protocols and practices

Not later than 18 months after March 7, 2013, the Director, in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and government laboratories, shall develop and publish a description of protocols and practices the Director considers appropriate for the accurate, timely, and effective collection and processing of DNA evidence, including protocols and practices specific to sexual assault cases, which shall address appropriate steps in the investigation of cases that might involve DNA evidence, including—

(A) how to determine—

(i) which evidence is to be collected by law enforcement personnel and forwarded for testing;

(ii) the preferred order in which evidence from the same case is to be tested; and

(iii) what information to take into account when establishing the order in which evidence from different cases is to be tested;

(B) the establishment of a reasonable period of time in which evidence is to be forwarded by emergency response providers, law enforcement personnel, and prosecutors to a laboratory for testing;

(C) the establishment of reasonable periods of time in which each stage of analytical laboratory testing is to be completed;

(D) systems to encourage communication within a State or unit of local government among emergency response providers, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, courts, defense counsel, crime laboratory personnel, and crime victims regarding the status of crime scene evidence to be tested; and

(E) standards for conducting the audit of the backlog for DNA case work in sexual assault cases required under subsection (n).

(2) Technical assistance and training

The Director shall make available technical assistance and training to support States and units of local government in adopting and implementing the protocols and practices developed under paragraph (1) on and after the date on which the protocols and practices are published.

(3) Definitions

In this subsection, the terms "awaiting testing" and "possession" have the meanings given those terms in subsection (n).

(Pub. L. 106–546, §2, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2726; Pub. L. 108–405, title II, §§202, 206, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2266, 2272; Pub. L. 109–162, title X, §1003, Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3085; Pub. L. 110–360, §2, Oct. 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 4008; Pub. L. 112–253, §6, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2409; Pub. L. 113–4, title X, §§1002, 1004, 1006, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 127, 131, 134; Pub. L. 113–182, §2, Sept. 29, 2014, 128 Stat. 1918; Pub. L. 115–107, §3(a), Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2266; Pub. L. 115–257, §2(a), Oct. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 3660; Pub. L. 116–104, §2, Dec. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 3272; Pub. L. 118–72, §§2, 3, July 30, 2024, 138 Stat. 1503.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), was in the original "the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012", meaning Pub. L. 112–253, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2407, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§40741 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2013 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (e)(1), (k)(2)(B), and (m), is Pub. L. 106–546, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2726, known as the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2000 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14135 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section. Some section numbers or references in amendment notes below reflect the classification of such sections or references prior to editorial reclassification.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 118–72, §3, substituted "2029" for "2022".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 118–72, §2, substituted "fiscal years 2024 through 2029" for "fiscal years 2019 through 2024".

2019—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–104, §2(1)(A), substituted "prioritizing, to the extent practicable consistent with public safety considerations" for "including".

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 116–104, §2(1)(B), substituted "in particular," for "including".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 116–104, §2(2), added par. (8).

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 116–104, §2(3)(A), substituted "2019 through 2024" for "2014 through 2019".

Subsec. (c)(3)(C). Pub. L. 116–104, §2(3)(B), substituted "2019 through 2024" for "2014 through 2019".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 116–104, §2(4), substituted "2019 through 2024" for "2015 through 2019".

2018—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 115–257, §2(a)(1), added par. (9).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–107 substituted "2022" for "2017".

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 115–257, §2(a)(2), added par. (5).

2014—Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–182, §2(1)(A), substituted "2014 through 2019" for "2010 through 2018".

Subsec. (c)(3)(C). Pub. L. 113–182, §2(1)(B), substituted "2019" for "2018".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–182, §2(2), substituted "2015 through 2019" for "2009 through 2014".

2013—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 113–4, §1006, struck out par. (6) which read as follows: "To implement a DNA arrestee collection process consistent with sections 14137 to 14137c of this title." See Termination Date of 2013 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 112–253 added par. (6).

Subsec. (a)(7), (8). Pub. L. 113–4, §1002(1), added pars. (7) and (8).

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–4, §1004(a), substituted "2018" for "2014".

Subsec. (c)(3)(C). Pub. L. 113–4, §1004(b), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 113–4, §1002(2), added par. (4).

Subsec. (n).Pub. L. 113–4, §1006, struck out subsec. (n) which related to use of funds for auditing sexual assault evidence backlogs. See Termination Date of 2013 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 113–4, §1002(3), added subsec. (n).

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 113–4, §1002(3), added subsec. (o).

2008—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 110–360, §2(1)(B), which directed redesignation of subpar. (E) and subpar. (A), was executed by redesignating subpar. (E) as (A), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 110–360, §2(1)(A), struck out subpar. (A) which read as follows: "For fiscal year 2005, not less than 50 percent of the grant amounts shall be awarded for purposes under subsection (a)(2) of this section."

Subsec. (c)(3)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 110–360, §2(1)(A), (C), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpars. (B) to (D) which read as follows:

"(B) For fiscal year 2006, not less than 50 percent of the grant amounts shall be awarded for purposes under subsection (a)(2) of this section.

"(C) For fiscal year 2007, not less than 45 percent of the grant amounts shall be awarded for purposes under subsection (a)(2) of this section.

"(D) For fiscal year 2008, not less than 40 percent of the grant amounts shall be awarded for purposes under subsection (a)(2) of this section."

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–360, §2(2), amended subsec. (j) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (j) authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General for grants under subsection (a) $151,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009.

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–162 substituted "collected under applicable legal authority" for "taken from individuals convicted of a qualifying State offense (as determined under subsection (b)(3) of this section)".

2004—Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(1), substituted "The Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program" for "Authorization of grants" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(2)(A), in introductory provisions, inserted "or units of local government" after "eligible States" and "or unit of local government" after "State".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(2)(B), inserted ", including samples from rape kits, samples from other sexual assault evidence, and samples taken in cases without an identified suspect" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(2)(C), (b)(1)(A), struck out "within the State" after "local government" and inserted "(1) or" before "(2)".

Subsec. (a)(4), (5). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(b)(1)(B), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(3)(A), in introductory provisions, inserted "or unit of local government" after "State" in two places and ", as required by the Attorney General" after "application shall".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(3)(B), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(3)(C), inserted "or unit of local government" after "that the State".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(3)(D), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State" and struck out "and" at end.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(3)(E), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State" and substituted semicolon for period at end.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(3)(F), added par. (6).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(b)(2), added par. (7).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(b)(3), amended heading and text of subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A State that proposes to allocate grant amounts under paragraph (4) or (5) of subsection (b) of this section for the purposes specified in paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of this section shall use such allocated amounts to conduct or facilitate DNA analyses of those samples that relate to crimes in connection with which there are no suspects."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(4)(A), substituted "A plan pursuant to subsection (b)(1)" for "The plan" in introductory provisions and struck out "within the State" after "local government" in subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(4)(B), inserted "and units of local government" after "States".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 108–405, §206, amended heading and text of par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A grant for the purposes specified in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section may be made in the form of a voucher for laboratory services, which may be redeemed at a laboratory operated by a private entity approved by the Attorney General that satisfies quality assurance standards. The Attorney General may make payment to such a laboratory for the analysis of DNA samples using amounts authorized for those purposes under subsection (j) of this section."

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(5)(A), inserted "or local government" after "State" in two places.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(5)(B), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(6), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(7)(A), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(7)(B), inserted "or units of local government" after "States".

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(b)(4), added par. (3).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(a)(8), inserted "or unit of local government" after "State" in pars. (1) and (2).

Subsec. (j)(1) to (5). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(b)(5), substituted pars. (1) to (5) for former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

"(1) For grants for the purposes specified in paragraph (1) of such subsection—

"(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;

"(B) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and

"(C) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.

"(2) For grants for the purposes specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of such subsection—

"(A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;

"(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002;

"(C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; and

"(D) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2004."

Subsec. (k) to (m). Pub. L. 108–405, §202(b)(6), added subsecs. (k) to (m).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–4, title X, §1006, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 134, as amended by Pub. L. 115–107, §3(b), Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2266, provided that: "Effective on December 31, 2023, subsections (a)(6) and (n) of section 2 of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 14135(a)(6) and (n)) [now 34 U.S.C. 40701(a)(6), (n)] are repealed."

Reports to Congress

Pub. L. 113–4, title X, §1003, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 131, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year for which a grant is made for the purpose described in section 2(a)(7) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 [34 U.S.C. 40701(a)(7)], as amended by section 1002, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report that—

"(1) lists the States and units of local government that have been awarded such grants and the amount of the grant received by each such State or unit of local government;

"(2) states the number of extensions granted by the Attorney General under section 2(n)(3) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 [34 U.S.C. 40701(n)(3)], as added by section 1002; and

"(3) summarizes the processing status of the samples of sexual assault evidence identified in Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reports established under section 2(n)(4) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 [34 U.S.C. 40701(n)(4)], including the number of samples that have not been tested."

Oversight and Accountability

Pub. L. 113–4, title X, §1005, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 132, provided that: "All grants awarded by the Department of Justice that are authorized under this title [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 10101 of this title] shall be subject to the following:

"(1) Audit requirement.—Beginning in fiscal year 2013, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice shall conduct audits of recipients of grants under this title to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by grantees. The Inspector General shall determine the appropriate number of grantees to be audited each year.

"(2) Mandatory exclusion.—A recipient of grant funds under this title that is found to have an unresolved audit finding shall not be eligible to receive grant funds under this title during the 2 fiscal years beginning after the 12-month period described in paragraph (5).

"(3) Priority.—In awarding grants under this title, the Attorney General shall give priority to eligible entities that, during the 3 fiscal years before submitting an application for a grant under this title, did not have an unresolved audit finding showing a violation in the terms or conditions of a Department of Justice grant program.

"(4) Reimbursement.—If an entity is awarded grant funds under this Act [Pub. L. 113–4, see Tables for classification] during the 2-fiscal-year period in which the entity is barred from receiving grants under paragraph (2), the Attorney General shall—

"(A) deposit an amount equal to the grant funds that were improperly awarded to the grantee into the General Fund of the Treasury; and

"(B) seek to recoup the costs of the repayment to the fund from the grant recipient that was erroneously awarded grant funds.

"(5) Defined term.—In this section, the term 'unresolved audit finding' means an audit report finding in the final audit report of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice that the grantee has utilized grant funds for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise unallowable cost that is not closed or resolved within a 12-month period beginning on the date when the final audit report is issued.

"(6) Nonprofit organization requirements.—

"(A) Definition.—For purposes of this section and the grant programs described in this title, the term 'nonprofit organization' means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)] and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.

"(B) Prohibition.—The Attorney General shall not award a grant under any grant program described in this title to a nonprofit organization that holds money in offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in section 511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 511(a)].

"(C) Disclosure.—Each nonprofit organization that is awarded a grant under a grant program described in this title and uses the procedures prescribed in regulations to create a rebuttable presumption of reasonableness for the compensation of its officers, directors, trustees and key employees, shall disclose to the Attorney General, in the application for the grant, the process for determining such compensation, including the independent persons involved in reviewing and approving such compensation, the comparability data used, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision. Upon request, the Attorney General shall make the information disclosed under this subsection available for public inspection.

"(7) Administrative expenses.—Unless otherwise explicitly provided in authorizing legislation, not more than 7.5 percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under this title may be used by the Attorney General for salaries and administrative expenses of the Department of Justice.

"(8) Conference expenditures.—

"(A) Limitation.—No amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Justice under this title may be used by the Attorney General or by any individual or organization awarded discretionary funds through a cooperative agreement under this Act, to host or support any expenditure for conferences that uses more than $20,000 in Department funds, unless the Deputy Attorney General or the appropriate Assistant Attorney General, Director, or principal deputy as the Deputy Attorney General may designate, provides prior written authorization that the funds may be expended to host a conference.

"(B) Written approval.—Written approval under subparagraph (A) shall include a written estimate of all costs associated with the conference, including the cost of all food and beverages, audio/visual equipment, honoraria for speakers, and any entertainment.

"(C) Report.—The Deputy Attorney General shall submit an annual report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on all conference expenditures approved by operation of this paragraph.

"(9) Prohibition on lobbying activity.—

"(A) In general.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated under this title may not be utilized by any grant recipient to—

"(i) lobby any representative of the Department of Justice regarding the award of grant funding; or

"(ii) lobby any representative of a Federal, state, local, or tribal government regarding the award of grant funding.

"(B) Penalty.—If the Attorney General determines that any recipient of a grant under this title has violated subparagraph (A), the Attorney General shall—

"(i) require the grant recipient to repay the grant in full; and

"(ii) prohibit the grant recipient from receiving another grant under this title for not less than 5 years."

Sense of Congress Regarding the Obligation of Grantee States to Ensure Access to Post-Conviction DNA Testing and Competent Counsel in Capital Cases

Pub. L. 106–561, §4, Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2791, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—Congress finds that—

"(1) over the past decade, deoxyribonucleic acid testing (referred to in this section as 'DNA testing') has emerged as the most reliable forensic technique for identifying criminals when biological material is left at a crime scene;

"(2) because of its scientific precision, DNA testing can, in some cases, conclusively establish the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant;

"(3) in other cases, DNA testing may not conclusively establish guilt or innocence, but may have significant probative value to a finder of fact;

"(4) DNA testing was not widely available in cases tried prior to 1994;

"(5) new forensic DNA testing procedures have made it possible to get results from minute samples that could not previously be tested, and to obtain more informative and accurate results than earlier forms of forensic DNA testing could produce, resulting in some cases of convicted inmates being exonerated by new DNA tests after earlier tests had failed to produce definitive results;

"(6) DNA testing can and has resulted in the post-conviction exoneration of more than 75 innocent men and women, including some under sentence of death;

"(7) in more than a dozen cases, post-conviction DNA testing that has exonerated an innocent person has also enhanced public safety by providing evidence that led to the apprehension of the actual perpetrator;

"(8) experience has shown that it is not unduly burdensome to make DNA testing available to inmates in appropriate cases;

"(9) under current Federal and State law, it is difficult to obtain post-conviction DNA testing because of time limits on introducing newly discovered evidence;

"(10) the National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence, a Federal panel established by the Department of Justice and comprised of law enforcement, judicial, and scientific experts, has urged that post-conviction DNA testing be permitted in the relatively small number of cases in which it is appropriate, notwithstanding procedural rules that could be invoked to preclude such testing, and notwithstanding the inability of an inmate to pay for the testing;

"(11) only a few States have adopted post-conviction DNA testing procedures;

"(12) States have received millions of dollars in DNA-related grants, and more funding is needed to improve State forensic facilities and to reduce the nationwide backlog of DNA samples from convicted offenders and crime scenes that need to be tested or retested using upgraded methods;

"(13) States that accept such financial assistance should not deny the promise of truth and justice for both sides of our adversarial system that DNA testing offers;

"(14) post-conviction DNA testing and other post-conviction investigative techniques have shown that innocent people have been sentenced to death in this country;

"(15) a constitutional error in capital cases is incompetent defense lawyers who fail to present important evidence that the defendant may have been innocent or does not deserve to be sentenced to death; and

"(16) providing quality representation to defendants facing loss of liberty or life is essential to fundamental due process and the speedy final resolution of judicial proceedings.

"(b) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) Congress should condition forensic science-related grants to a State or State forensic facility on the State's agreement to ensure post-conviction DNA testing in appropriate cases; and

"(2) Congress should work with the States to improve the quality of legal representation in capital cases through the establishment of standards that will assure the timely appointment of competent counsel with adequate resources to represent defendants in capital cases at each stage of the proceedings."

Pub. L. 106–546, §11, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2735, enacted provisions substantially identical to those enacted by Pub. L. 106–561, §4, set out above.

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

§40702. Collection and use of DNA identification information from certain Federal offenders

(a) Collection of DNA samples

(1) From individuals in custody

(A) The Attorney General may, as prescribed by the Attorney General in regulation, collect DNA samples from individuals who are arrested, facing charges, or convicted or from non-United States persons who are detained under the authority of the United States. The Attorney General may delegate this function within the Department of Justice as provided in section 510 of title 28 and may also authorize and direct any other agency of the United States that arrests or detains individuals or supervises individuals facing charges to carry out any function and exercise any power of the Attorney General under this section.

(B) The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall collect a DNA sample from each individual in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying Federal offense (as determined under subsection (d)) or a qualifying military offense, as determined under section 1565 of title 10.

(2) From individuals on release, parole, or probation

The probation office responsible for the supervision under Federal law of an individual on probation, parole, or supervised release shall collect a DNA sample from each such individual who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying Federal offense (as determined under subsection (d)) or a qualifying military offense, as determined under section 1565 of title 10.

(3) Individuals already in CODIS

For each individual described in paragraph (1) or (2), if the Combined DNA Index System (in this section referred to as "CODIS") of the Federal Bureau of Investigation contains a DNA analysis with respect to that individual, or if a DNA sample has been collected from that individual under section 1565 of title 10, the Attorney General, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, or the probation office responsible (as applicable) may (but need not) collect a DNA sample from that individual.

(4) Collection procedures

(A) The Attorney General, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, or the probation office responsible (as applicable) may use or authorize the use of such means as are reasonably necessary to detain, restrain, and collect a DNA sample from an individual who refuses to cooperate in the collection of the sample.

(B) The Attorney General, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, or the probation office, as appropriate, may enter into agreements with units of State or local government or with private entities to provide for the collection of the samples described in paragraph (1) or (2).

(5) Criminal penalty

An individual from whom the collection of a DNA sample is authorized under this subsection who fails to cooperate in the collection of that sample shall be—

(A) guilty of a class A misdemeanor; and

(B) punished in accordance with title 18.

(b) Analysis and use of samples

The Attorney General, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, or the probation office responsible (as applicable) shall furnish each DNA sample collected under subsection (a) to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who shall carry out a DNA analysis on each such DNA sample and include the results in CODIS. The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation may waive the requirements under this subsection if DNA samples are analyzed by means of Rapid DNA instruments and the results are included in CODIS.

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term "DNA sample" means a tissue, fluid, or other bodily sample of an individual on which a DNA analysis can be carried out.

(2) The term "DNA analysis" means analysis of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) identification information in a bodily sample.

(3) The term "Rapid DNA instruments" means instrumentation that carries out a fully automated process to derive a DNA analysis from a DNA sample.

(d) Qualifying Federal offenses

The offenses that shall be treated for purposes of this section as qualifying Federal offenses are the following offenses, as determined by the Attorney General:

(1) Any felony.

(2) Any offense under chapter 109A of title 18.

(3) Any crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18).

(4) Any attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses in paragraphs (1) through (3).

(e) Regulations

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section shall be carried out under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General.

(2) Probation officers

The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall make available model procedures for the activities of probation officers in carrying out this section.

(f) Commencement of collection

Collection of DNA samples under subsection (a) shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, commence not later than the date that is 180 days after December 19, 2000.

(Pub. L. 106–546, §3, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2728; Pub. L. 107–56, title V, §503, Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 364; Pub. L. 108–405, title II, §203(b), Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2270; Pub. L. 109–162, title X, §1004(a), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3085; Pub. L. 109–248, title I, §155, July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 611; Pub. L. 115–50, §3(a), Aug. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 1001.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14135a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–50, §3(a)(1), inserted at end "The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation may waive the requirements under this subsection if DNA samples are analyzed by means of Rapid DNA instruments and the results are included in CODIS."

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–50, §3(a)(2), added par. (3).

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–162, §1004(a)(1), added subpar. (A) and designated existing provisions as subpar. (B).

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–248 substituted "arrested, facing charges, or convicted" for "arrested".

Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 109–162, §1004(a)(1)(B), substituted "Attorney General, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons," for "Director of the Bureau of Prisons" in par. (3) and subpars. (A) and (B) of par. (4).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–162, §1004(a)(2), substituted "Attorney General, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons," for "Director of the Bureau of Prisons".

2004—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–405 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally, substituting pars. (1) to (4) for former pars. (1) and (2) with multiple subpars. listing specific offenses.

2001—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 107–56 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The initial determination of qualifying Federal offenses shall be made not later than 120 days after December 19, 2000."

§40703. Collection and use of DNA identification information from certain District of Columbia offenders

(a) Collection of DNA samples

(1) From individuals in custody

The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall collect a DNA sample from each individual in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying District of Columbia offense (as determined under subsection (d)).

(2) From individuals on release, parole, or probation

The Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia shall collect a DNA sample from each individual under the supervision of the Agency who is on supervised release, parole, or probation who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying District of Columbia offense (as determined under subsection (d)).

(3) Individuals already in CODIS

For each individual described in paragraph (1) or (2), if the Combined DNA Index System (in this section referred to as "CODIS") of the Federal Bureau of Investigation contains a DNA analysis with respect to that individual, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons or Agency (as applicable) may (but need not) collect a DNA sample from that individual.

(4) Collection procedures

(A) The Director of the Bureau of Prisons or Agency (as applicable) may use or authorize the use of such means as are reasonably necessary to detain, restrain, and collect a DNA sample from an individual who refuses to cooperate in the collection of the sample.

(B) The Director of the Bureau of Prisons or Agency, as appropriate, may enter into agreements with units of State or local government or with private entities to provide for the collection of the samples described in paragraph (1) or (2).

(5) Criminal penalty

An individual from whom the collection of a DNA sample is authorized under this subsection who fails to cooperate in the collection of that sample shall be—

(A) guilty of a class A misdemeanor; and

(B) punished in accordance with title 18.

(b) Analysis and use of samples

The Director of the Bureau of Prisons or Agency (as applicable) shall furnish each DNA sample collected under subsection (a) to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who shall carry out a DNA analysis on each such DNA sample and include the results in CODIS. The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation may waive the requirements under this subsection if DNA samples are analyzed by means of Rapid DNA instruments and the results are included in CODIS.

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term "DNA sample" means a tissue, fluid, or other bodily sample of an individual on which a DNA analysis can be carried out.

(2) The term "DNA analysis" means analysis of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) identification information in a bodily sample.

(3) The term "Rapid DNA instruments" means instrumentation that carries out a fully automated process to derive a DNA analysis from a DNA sample.

(d) Qualifying District of Columbia offenses

The government of the District of Columbia may determine those offenses under the District of Columbia Code that shall be treated for purposes of this section as qualifying District of Columbia offenses.

(e) Commencement of collection

Collection of DNA samples under subsection (a) shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, commence not later than the date that is 180 days after December 19, 2000.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.

(Pub. L. 106–546, §4, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2730; Pub. L. 115–50, §3(b), Aug. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 1002.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14135b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–50, §3(b)(1), inserted at end "The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation may waive the requirements under this subsection if DNA samples are analyzed by means of Rapid DNA instruments and the results are included in CODIS."

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–50, §3(b)(2), added par. (3).

§40704. Conditions of release generally

If the collection of a DNA sample from an individual on probation, parole, or supervised release is authorized pursuant to section 40702 or 40703 of this title or section 1565 of title 10, the individual shall cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample as a condition of that probation, parole, or supervised release.

(Pub. L. 106–546, §7(d), Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2734.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14135c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40705. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General to carry out this Act (including to reimburse the Federal judiciary for any reasonable costs incurred in implementing such Act, as determined by the Attorney General) such sums as may be necessary.

(Pub. L. 106–546, §9, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2735.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 106–546, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2726, known as the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2000 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14135d of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40706. Privacy protection standards

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b), any sample collected under, or any result of any analysis carried out under, section 40701, 40702, or 40703 of this title may be used only for a purpose specified in such section.

(b) Permissive uses

A sample or result described in subsection (a) may be disclosed under the circumstances under which disclosure of information included in the Combined DNA Index System is allowed, as specified in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 12592(b)(3) of this title.

(c) Criminal penalty

A person who knowingly discloses a sample or result described in subsection (a) in any manner to any person not authorized to receive it, or obtains or uses, without authorization, such sample or result, shall be fined not more than $250,000, or imprisoned for a period of not more than one year. Each instance of disclosure, obtaining, or use shall constitute a separate offense under this subsection.

(Pub. L. 106–546, §10, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2735; Pub. L. 108–405, title II, §203(e)(2), title III, §309, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2271, 2275.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14135e of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–405, §309, reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A person who knowingly—

"(1) discloses a sample or result described in subsection (a) of this section in any manner to any person not authorized to receive it; or

"(2) obtains, without authorization, a sample or result described in subsection (a) of this section,

shall be fined not more than $250,000, or imprisoned for a period of not more than one year, or both."

Pub. L. 108–405, §203(e)(2), substituted "$250,000, or imprisoned for a period of not more than one year, or both" for "$100,000" in concluding provisions.

SUBCHAPTER II—TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH, AND EXPANDED USE

§40721. Report to Congress on plans to modify CODIS system

If the Department of Justice plans to modify or supplement the core genetic markers needed for compatibility with the CODIS system, it shall notify the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives in writing not later than 180 days before any change is made and explain the reasons for such change.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title II, §203(f), Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2271.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of subsec. (f) of section 203 of Pub. L. 108–405. For complete classification of section 203, see Tables.

Section was formerly classified as a note under section 531 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40722. DNA training and education for law enforcement, correctional personnel, and court officers

(a) In general

The Attorney General shall make grants to provide training, technical assistance, education, and information relating to the identification, collection, preservation, analysis, and use of DNA samples and DNA evidence by—

(1) law enforcement personnel, including police officers and other first responders, evidence technicians, investigators, and others who collect or examine evidence of crime;

(2) court officers, including State and local prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges;

(3) forensic science professionals; and

(4) corrections personnel, including prison and jail personnel, and probation, parole, and other officers involved in supervision.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $12,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2024 to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title III, §303, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2273; Pub. L. 110–360, §3, Oct. 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 4008; Pub. L. 113–182, §3, Sept. 29, 2014, 128 Stat. 1918; Pub. L. 116–104, §3, Dec. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 3272.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–104 substituted "2019 through 2024" for "2015 through 2019".

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–182 substituted "2015 through 2019" for "2009 through 2014".

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–360 substituted "2009 through 2014" for "2005 through 2009".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Incentive Grants to States To Ensure Consideration of Claims of Actual Innocence

Pub. L. 108–405, title IV, §413, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2285, as amended by Pub. L. 114–324, §12(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1957, provided that: "For each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021, all funds appropriated to carry out sections 303, 305, 308, and 412 [sections 40722, 40724, 40726, and 40727 of this title] shall be reserved for grants to eligible entities that—

"(1) meet the requirements under section 303, 305, 308, or 412, as appropriate; and

"(2) for eligible entities that are a State or unit of local government, provide a certification by the chief legal officer of the State in which the eligible entity operates or the chief legal officer of the jurisdiction in which the funds will be used for the purposes of the grants, that the State or jurisdiction—

"(A) provides DNA testing of specified evidence under a State statute or a State or local rule or regulation to persons sentenced to imprisonment or death for a State felony offense, in a manner intended to ensure a reasonable process for resolving claims of actual innocence that ensures post-conviction DNA testing in at least those cases that would be covered by section 3600(a) of title 18, United States Code, had they been Federal cases and, if the results of the testing exclude the applicant as the source of the DNA, permits the applicant to apply for post-conviction relief, notwithstanding any provision of law that would otherwise bar the application as untimely; and

"(B) preserves biological evidence, as defined in section 3600A of title 18, United States Code, under a State statute or a State or local rule, regulation, or practice in a manner intended to ensure that reasonable measures are taken by the State or jurisdiction to preserve biological evidence secured in relation to the investigation or prosecution of, at a minimum, murder, nonnegligent manslaughter and sexual offenses."

§40723. Sexual assault forensic exam program grants

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" includes—

(A) a State, Tribal, or local government or hospital;

(B) a sexual assault examination program, including—

(i) a SANE program;

(ii) a SAFE program;

(iii) a SART program;

(iv) medical personnel, including a doctor or nurse, involved in treating victims of sexual assault; and

(v) a victim service provider involved in treating victims of sexual assault;

(C) a State sexual assault coalition;

(D) a health care facility, including a hospital that provides sexual assault forensic examinations by a qualified or certified SANE or SAFE;

(E) a sexual assault examination program that provides SANE or SAFE training; and

(F) a community-based program that provides sexual assault forensic examinations, including pediatric forensic exams in a multidisciplinary setting, by a qualified or certified SANE or SAFE outside of a traditional health care setting.

(2) Health care facility

The term "health care facility" means any State, local, Tribal, community, free, nonprofit, academic, or private medical facility, including a hospital, that provides emergency medical care to patients.

(3) Medical forensic examination; MFE

The term "medical forensic examination" or "MFE" means an examination of a sexual assault patient by a health care provider, who has specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and treatment of these patients, which includes—

(A) gathering information from the patient for the medical forensic history;

(B) an examination;

(C) coordinating treatment of injuries, documentation of biological and physical findings, and collection of evidence from the patient;

(D) documentation of findings;

(E) providing information, treatment, and referrals for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, suicidal ideation, alcohol and substance abuse, and other non-acute medical concerns; and

(F) providing follow-up as needed to provide additional healing, treatment, or collection of evidence.

(4) Pediatric SANE and SAFE

The term "pediatric SANE and SAFE" means a SANE or SAFE who is trained to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations on children and youth between the ages of 0 and 18.

(5) Qualified personnel

The term "qualified personnel" includes a registered or advanced practice nurse, physician, doctor of osteopathy, or physician assistant who has specialized training conducting medical forensic examinations.

(6) Qualified SANE and SAFE training program

The term "qualified SANE and SAFE training program" means a program that—

(A) is qualified to prepare current and future sexual assault nurse examiners to be profession-ready and meet the applicable State and National certification and licensure requirements, through didactic, clinical, preceptor, or capstone programs that include longer-term training;

(B) provides that preparation under a health care model that uses trauma-informed techniques; and

(C) is approved as meeting the most recent National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners.

(7) Rural area

The term "rural area" has the meaning given the term in section 12291 of this title.

(8) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(9) Sexual assault

The term "sexual assault" means any nonconsensual sexual act or sexual contact proscribed by Federal, Tribal, or State law, including when the individual lacks capacity to consent.

(10) Sexual assault forensic examiner; SAFE

The term "sexual assault forensic examiner" or "SAFE" means an individual who has specialized forensic training in treating sexual assault survivors and conducting medical forensic examinations.

(11) Sexual assault forensic examination

The term "sexual assault forensic examination" means an examination of a sexual assault patient by a health care provider, who has specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and treatment of these patients, which includes—

(A) gathering information from the patient for the medical forensic history;

(B) an examination;

(C) coordinating treatment of injuries, documentation of biological and physical findings, and collection of evidence from the patient;

(D) documentation of findings;

(E) providing information, treatment, and referrals for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, suicidal ideation, alcohol and substance abuse, and other non-acute medical concerns; and

(F) providing follow-up as needed to provide additional healing, treatment, or collection of evidence.

(12) Sexual assault nurse examiner; SANE

The term "sexual assault nurse examiner" or "SANE" means a registered or advanced practice nurse who has specialized training conducting medical forensic examinations.

(13) Sexual assault response team; SART

The term "sexual assault response team" or "SART" means a multidisciplinary team that—

(A) provides a specialized and immediate response to survivors of sexual assault; and

(B) may include health care personnel, law enforcement representatives, community-based survivor advocates, prosecutors, and forensic scientists.

(14) State

The term "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States.

(15) Trauma-informed

The term "trauma-informed" means, with respect to services or training, services or training that—

(A) use a patient-centered approach to providing services or care;

(B) promote the dignity, strength, and empowerment of patients who have experienced trauma; and

(C) incorporate evidence-based practices based on knowledge about the impact of trauma on patients' lives.

(16) Underserved populations

The term "underserved populations" has the meaning given the term in section 12291 of this title.

(b) Sexual assault nurse examiner training program grants

(1) Authorization for grants

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary, shall make grants to eligible entities for the following purposes:

(A) To establish qualified regional SANE training programs—

(i) to provide clinical education for SANE students;

(ii) to provide salaries for full and part-time SANE instructors, including those specializing in pediatrics and working in a multidisciplinary team setting, to help with the clinical training of SANEs; and

(iii) to provide access to simulation laboratories and other resources necessary for clinical education.

(B) To provide full and part time salaries for SANEs and SAFEs, including pediatric SANEs and SAFEs.

(C) To increase access to SANEs and SAFEs by otherwise providing training, education, or technical assistance relating to the collection, preservation, analysis, and use of DNA samples and DNA evidence by SANEs, SAFEs, and other qualified personnel.

(2) Preference for grants

In reviewing applications for grants under this section, the Attorney General shall give preference to any eligible entity that certifies in the grant application that the entity will coordinate with a rape crisis center or the State sexual assault coalition to facilitate sexual assault advocacy to support sexual assault survivors and use the grant funds to—

(A) establish qualified SANE training programs in localities with a high volume of forensic trauma cases, including adult and child sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, sex trafficking, and strangulation cases;

(B) increase the local and regional availability of full and part time sexual assault nurse examiners in a rural area, Tribal area, an area with a health professional shortage, or for an underserved population, including efforts to provide culturally competent services; or

(C) establish or sustain sexual assault mobile teams or units or otherwise enhance SANE and SAFE access through telehealth.

(c) Directive to the Attorney General

(1) In general

Not later than the beginning of fiscal year 2022, the Attorney General shall coordinate with the Secretary to inform health care facilities, including Federally qualified health centers and hospitals, colleges and universities, and other appropriate health-related entities about—

(A) the availability of grant funding under this section; and

(B) the role of sexual assault nurse examiners, both adult and pediatric, and available resources of the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to train or employ sexual assault nurses examiners to address the needs of communities dealing with sexual assault, domestic violence, sex trafficking, elder abuse, strangulation, and, in particular, the need for pediatric SANEs, including such nurse examiners working in the multidisciplinary setting, in responding to abuse of both children and adolescents.

(2) Requirement

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall collaborate with nongovernmental organizations representing SANEs.

(d) Public information on access to sexual assault forensic examinations

(1) In general

Not later than 2 years after March 15, 2022, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary, shall establish, and update annually, a public website on the access to forensic nurse examiners.

(2) Contents

The website required under paragraph (1) shall with specificity describe, by State—

(A) funding opportunities for SANE training and continuing education; and

(B) the availability of sexual assault advocates at locations providing sexual assault forensic exams.

(3) Report to Congress

Not later than 4 years after March 15, 2022, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary, shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on—

(A) the availability of, and patient access to, trained SANEs and other providers who perform MFEs or sexual assault forensic examinations;

(B) the health care facilities, including hospitals or clinics, that offer SANEs and sexual assault forensic examinations and whether each health care facility, including a hospital or clinic, has full-time, part-time, or on-call coverage;

(C) regional, provider, or other barriers to access for SANE care and services, including MFEs and sexual assault forensic examinations;

(D) State requirements, minimum standards, and protocols for training SANEs, including trauma-informed and culturally competent training standards;

(E) State requirements, minimum standards, and protocols for training emergency services personnel involved in MFEs and sexual assault forensic examinations;

(F) the availability of sexual assault nurse examiner training, frequency of when training is convened, the providers of such training, the State's role in such training, and what process or procedures are in place for continuing education of such examiners;

(G) the dedicated Federal and State funding to support SANE training;

(H) funding opportunities for SANE training and continuing education;

(I) the availability of sexual assault advocates at locations providing MFEs and sexual assault forensic exams; and

(J) the total annual cost of conducting sexual assault forensic exams described in section 10449(b) of this title.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title III, §304, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2273; Pub. L. 110–360, §4, Oct. 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 4009; Pub. L. 113–182, §4, Sept. 29, 2014, 128 Stat. 1918; Pub. L. 114–324, §4, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1950; Pub. L. 115–107, §2, Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2266; Pub. L. 116–104, §4, Dec. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 3273; Pub. L. 117–103, div. W, title XIII, §1318(b)–(e), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 940–945.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–103, §1318(b), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Attorney General shall make grants to eligible entities to provide training, technical assistance, education, equipment, and information relating to the identification, collection, preservation, analysis, and use of DNA samples and DNA evidence by medical personnel and other personnel, including doctors, medical examiners, coroners, nurses, victim service providers, and other professionals involved in treating victims of sexual assault and sexual assault examination programs, including SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner), and SART (Sexual Assault Response Team)."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–103, §1318(b), (c), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which defined "eligible entity".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–103, §1318(b), (d)(2), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to preference given to certain eligible entities for grants and promoting the role and employment of forensic nurses.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–103, §1318(d)(2), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–103, §1318(d)(2), (e), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e) and amended it generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. authorized appropriation of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2024 to carry out this section.

2019—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–104 substituted "2019 through 2024" for "2015 through 2019".

2018—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 115–107 inserted ", both adult and pediatric," after "role of forensic nurses" and substituted "elder abuse, and, in particular, the need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, including such nurse examiners working in the multidisciplinary setting, in responding to abuse of both children and adolescents" for "and elder abuse".

2016—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 114–324 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

2014—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–182 substituted "2015 through 2019" for "2009 through 2014".

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–360 substituted "2009 through 2014" for "2005 through 2009".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–103 not effective until Oct. 1 of the first fiscal year beginning after Mar. 15, 2022, see section 4(a) of div. W of Pub. L. 117–103, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6851 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

§40724. DNA research and development

(a) Improving DNA technology

The Attorney General shall make grants for research and development to improve forensic DNA technology, including increasing the identification accuracy and efficiency of DNA analysis, decreasing time and expense, and increasing portability.

(b) Demonstration projects

The Attorney General shall make grants to appropriate entities under which research is carried out through demonstration projects involving coordinated training and commitment of resources to law enforcement agencies and key criminal justice participants to demonstrate and evaluate the use of forensic DNA technology in conjunction with other forensic tools. The demonstration projects shall include scientific evaluation of the public safety benefits, improvements to law enforcement operations, and cost-effectiveness of increased collection and use of DNA evidence.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021 to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title III, §305, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2273; Pub. L. 114–324, §8(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1954.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–324 substituted "$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021" for "$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009".

§40725. National Forensic Science Commission

(a) Appointment

The Attorney General shall appoint a National Forensic Science Commission (in this section referred to as the "Commission"), composed of persons experienced in criminal justice issues, including persons from the forensic science and criminal justice communities, to carry out the responsibilities under subsection (b).

(b) Responsibilities

The Commission shall—

(1) assess the present and future resource needs of the forensic science community;

(2) make recommendations to the Attorney General for maximizing the use of forensic technologies and techniques to solve crimes and protect the public;

(3) identify potential scientific advances that may assist law enforcement in using forensic technologies and techniques to protect the public;

(4) make recommendations to the Attorney General for programs that will increase the number of qualified forensic scientists available to work in public crime laboratories;

(5) disseminate, through the National Institute of Justice, best practices concerning the collection and analyses of forensic evidence to help ensure quality and consistency in the use of forensic technologies and techniques to solve crimes and protect the public;

(6) examine additional issues pertaining to forensic science as requested by the Attorney General;

(7) examine Federal, State, and local privacy protection statutes, regulations, and practices relating to access to, or use of, stored DNA samples or DNA analyses, to determine whether such protections are sufficient;

(8) make specific recommendations to the Attorney General, as necessary, to enhance the protections described in paragraph (7) to ensure—

(A) the appropriate use and dissemination of DNA information;

(B) the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of DNA information;

(C) the timely removal and destruction of obsolete, expunged, or inaccurate DNA information; and

(D) that any other necessary measures are taken to protect privacy; and

(9) provide a forum for the exchange and dissemination of ideas and information in furtherance of the objectives described in paragraphs (1) through (8).

(c) Personnel; procedures

The Attorney General shall—

(1) designate the Chair of the Commission from among its members;

(2) designate any necessary staff to assist in carrying out the functions of the Commission; and

(3) establish procedures and guidelines for the operations of the Commission.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title III, §306, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2274.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40726. DNA identification of missing persons

(a) In general

The Attorney General shall make grants to promote the use of forensic DNA technology to identify missing persons and unidentified human remains.

(b) Requirement

Each State or unit of local government that receives funding under this section shall be required to submit the DNA profiles of such missing persons and unidentified human remains to the National Missing Persons DNA Database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021 to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title III, §308, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2275; Pub. L. 114–324, §8(c), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1954.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136d of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–324 substituted "fiscal years 2017 through 2021" for "fiscal years 2005 through 2009".

§40727. Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing Grant Program

(a) In general

The Attorney General shall establish the Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing Grant Program to award grants to States to help defray the costs of post-conviction DNA testing.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021 to carry out this section.

(c) State defined

For purposes of this section, the term "State" means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

(Pub. L. 108–405, title IV, §412, Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2284; Pub. L. 114–324, §12(b), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1957.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136e of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–324 substituted "$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021" for "$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009".

§40728. Establishment of best practices for evidence retention

(a) In general

The Director of the National Institute of Justice, in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and government laboratories, shall—

(1) establish best practices for evidence retention to focus on the preservation of forensic evidence; and

(2) assist State, local, and tribal governments in adopting and implementing the best practices established under paragraph (1).

(b) Deadline

Not later than 1 year after December 16, 2016, the Director of the National Institute of Justice shall publish the best practices established under subsection (a)(1).

(c) Limitation

Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or obligate compliance with the best practices established under subsection (a)(1).

(Pub. L. 108–405, title IV, §414, as added Pub. L. 114–324, §13(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1958.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14136f of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

SUBCHAPTER III—DNA ARRESTEE COLLECTION PROCESSES

§40741. Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter:

(1) DNA arrestee collection process

The term "DNA arrestee collection process" means, with respect to a State, a process under which the State provides for the collection, for purposes of inclusion in the index described in section 12592(a) of this title (in this subchapter referred to as the "National DNA Index System"), of DNA profiles or DNA data from the following individuals who are at least 18 years of age:

(A) Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that consists of a homicide.

(B) Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that has an element involving a sexual act or sexual contact with another and that is punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year.

(C) Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that has an element of kidnaping or abduction and that is punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year.

(D) Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that consists of burglary punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year.

(E) Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that consists of aggravated assault punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year.

(2) State

The term "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(Pub. L. 112–253, §2, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2407.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 112–253, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2407, known as the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2013 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14137 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40742. Grants to States to implement DNA arrestee collection processes

(a) In general

The Attorney General shall, subject to amounts made available pursuant to section 40744 of this title, carry out a grant program for the purpose of assisting States with the costs associated with the implementation of DNA arrestee collection processes.

(b) Applications

(1) In general

To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, in addition to any other requirements specified by the Attorney General, a State shall submit to the Attorney General an application that demonstrates that it has statutory authorization for the implementation of a DNA arrestee collection process.

(2) Non-supplanting funds

An application submitted under paragraph (1) by a State shall include assurances that the amounts received under the grant under this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, State funds that would otherwise be available for the purpose described in subsection (a).

(3) Other requirements

The Attorney General shall require a State seeking a grant under this section to document how such State will use the grant to meet expenses associated with a State's implementation or planned implementation of a DNA arrestee collection process.

(c) Grant allocation

(1) In general

The amount available to a State under this section shall be based on the projected costs that will be incurred by the State to implement a DNA arrestee collection process. Subject to paragraph (2), the Attorney General shall retain discretion to determine the amount of each such grant awarded to an eligible State.

(2) Maximum grant allocation

In the case of a State seeking a grant under this section with respect to the implementation of a DNA arrestee collection process, such State shall be eligible for a grant under this section that is equal to no more than 100 percent of the first year costs to the State of implementing such process.

(d) Grant conditions

As a condition of receiving a grant under this section, a State shall have a procedure in place to—

(1) provide written notification of expungement provisions and instructions for requesting expungement to all persons who submit a DNA profile or DNA data for inclusion in the index;

(2) provide the eligibility criteria for expungement and instructions for requesting expungement on an appropriate public Web site; and

(3) make a determination on all expungement requests not later than 90 days after receipt and provide a written response of the determination to the requesting party.

(Pub. L. 112–253, §3, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2408.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14137a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40743. Expungement of profiles

The expungement requirements under section 12592(d) of this title shall apply to any DNA profile or DNA data collected pursuant to this subchapter for purposes of inclusion in the National DNA Index System.

(Pub. L. 112–253, §4, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2408.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 112–253, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2407, known as the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2013 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14137b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§40744. Offset of funds appropriated

Any funds appropriated to carry out this subchapter, not to exceed $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015, shall be derived from amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (j) of section 40701 of this title in each such fiscal year for grants under such section.

(Pub. L. 112–253, §5, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2409.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 112–253, Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2407, known as the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2013 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 14137c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.