Sec. 201. Accreditation of forensic science laboratories
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On and after the date established under subsection (b)(2)(E), a forensic science laboratory may not receive, directly or indirectly, any Federal funds, unless the Director has verified that the laboratory has been accredited in accordance with the standards and procedures established under this title. Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit to the Director— a comprehensive strategy to enable forensic science laboratories to obtain and maintain accreditation; recommended procedures for the accreditation of forensic science laboratories that are consistent with the recommended standards developed by the Board under section 202; recommended procedures for the periodic review and updating of the accreditation status of forensic science laboratories; recommended procedures for the Director to verify that laboratories have been accredited in accordance with the standards and procedures established under this title, which shall include procedures to implement, administer, and coordinate enforcement of the program for the accreditation of forensic science laboratories; and a recommendation regarding the dates by which forensic science laboratories should— begin the process of laboratory accreditation; and obtain verification of laboratory accreditation to be eligible to receive Federal funds.
After the Director receives the recommendations of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish— procedures to implement a comprehensive strategy to enable forensic science laboratories to obtain and maintain accreditation; procedures for the accreditation of a forensic science laboratory; procedures for the Director to verify that laboratories have been accredited in accordance with the standards and procedures established under this title; the date by which a forensic science laboratory shall begin the process of accreditation; and the date by which a forensic science laboratory shall obtain verification of laboratory accreditation to be eligible to receive Federal funds.
In determining, recommending, and establishing the dates under paragraphs
(1)and (2), the Board and Director shall consider whether funding has been appropriated pursuant to section 305 and other relevant Federal grant programs to sufficiently assist and support laboratories in obtaining accreditation under this Act. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall recommend to the Director a definition of the term forensic science laboratory for purposes of this Act, which shall include any laboratory that conducts forensic testing, analysis, identification, or comparisons, the results of which may be interpreted, presented, or otherwise used during the course of a criminal investigation or criminal court proceeding. After the Director receives the recommendation of the Board under paragraph (1), the Director shall, in accordance with section 101(f)(3), establish a definition for the term forensic science laboratory . On and after the date established by the Director under subsection (b)(2)(E), a Federal agency may not use any forensic science laboratory, including any services, products, analysis, opinions, or conclusions provided by the forensic science laboratory, during the course of a criminal investigation or criminal court proceeding unless the forensic science laboratory meets the standards of accreditation and certification established by the Office under this Act.