Forensic genetic genealogy pilot program.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify who else besides law enforcement agencies might be affected by this bill.

Forensic Genetic Genealogy Pilot Program

This law creates a pilot program for using forensic genetic genealogy to assist criminal investigations and identifying human remains, funded with $150,000 from the general fund until June 30, 2029.

What This Bill Does

• Creates a pilot program for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches to help generate leads in criminal cases or identify unknown bodies.
• Gives the Division of Criminal Investigation $150,000 from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 to run this program.
• Allows the division to give grants to local law enforcement agencies for similar work according to an application process established by the division.

Who It Names or Affects

• The Division of Criminal Investigation
• Law enforcement agencies in Wyoming

Terms To Know

Forensic genetic genealogy

Using DNA to find family connections that help solve crimes or identify unknown bodies.

Pilot program

A small-scale test of a new idea before it is fully implemented.

Limits and Unknowns

• The pilot program will end on June 30, 2029.
• Details about the application process for grants and rules for administering the program are not yet clear.

Official Summary Text

Bill Summary - 24LSO-0335

Bill No.:

HB0058

Effective:

7/1/2024

LSO No.:

24LSO-0335

Enrolled Act No.:

HEA No. 0046

Chapter No.:

85

Prime Sponsor:

Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Catch Title:

Forensic genetic genealogy pilot program.

Has Report:

No

Subject:

Law enforcement.

Summary/Major Elements:

Generally speaking, forensic genetic genealogy is a law enforcement tool that may be used to help identify the perpetrator of a crime or unidentified human remains by linking DNA from the crime scene or the unidentified person to relatives.

This act appropriates one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) from the general fund to the Division of Criminal Investigation to establish and administer a forensic genetic genealogy pilot program from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029.

The Division may use the funds for two purposes:

(1) For forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches to assist in generating leads for criminal investigations or identifying human remains in investigations conducted by the Division; and
(2) To award grants to law enforcement agencies in this state for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches to assist in generating leads for criminal investigations or identifying human remains in investigations, according to an application process established by the Division.

The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent.

While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.

Current Bill Text

24LSO-0335

ORIGINAL House

Bill No
.
HB0058

ENROLLED ACT NO. 46,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SIXTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2024 Budget Session

AN ACT relating to law enforcement; establishing a pilot program for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches as specified; providing grants; providing a sunset date; providing an appropriation; requiring rulemaking; and providing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1.

(a)

The forensic genetic genealogy pilot program is hereby created. The division of criminal investigation shall establish and administer this program for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches as set forth in this section.

(b)

The division may use funds made available to operate the forensic genetic genealogy pilot program for the following purposes:

(i)

For forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches to assist in generating leads for criminal investigations or identifying human remains in investigations conducted by the division pursuant to W.S. 9-1-618;

(ii)

To award grants to law enforcement agencies in this state for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches to assist in generating leads for criminal investigations or identifying human remains in investigations, according to an application process established by the division.

(c)

The forensic genetic genealogy pilot program shall terminate, and no grants shall be awarded after, June 30, 2029. Grants awarded prior to June 30, 2029 may be expended after the pilot program terminates.

(d)

Nothing in this act shall be construed as a restriction on the division using other available funding to conduct forensic genetic genealogical DNA analyses and searches.

Section 2.

There is appropriated one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) from the general fund to the division of criminal investigation for the period beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029. This appropriation shall only be used to operate the forensic genetic genealogy pilot program created by section 1 of this act. This appropriation shall not be transferred or expended for any other purpose. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any unexpended, unobligated funds remaining from this appropriation shall not revert until June 30, 2029.

Section 3.

The division of criminal investigation shall promulgate any rules necessary to administer this act.

Section 4
.

This act is effective July 1, 2024.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the House.

Chief Clerk

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