Proposed Florida bill aims to improve efficiency of DNA testing by law enforcement

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A proposed Florida bill aimed at enhancing the efficiency of DNA testing by law enforcement is moving through the Florida Legislature.

The initiative will annually award grants to Florida law enforcement agencies for testing DNA samples when the required technology isn’t available at local or state laboratories for faster testing to advance ongoing investigations.

The bill said each grant recipient is required to submit an annual report to the executive director, which must include:

• The total amount of funding received
• The number of cases tested by the private laboratory
• The type of DNA testing conducted, details about the lab and the equipment used
• The lab report with the results of DNA testing
• Average time taken to complete DNA testing

The bill also grants FDLE the authority to adopt rules necessary for implementing and administering this program.

If approved, the new law would effect on July 1.

Companion bills are moving through the process in both the Florida House and the Florida Senate.