Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 1439 would add biological evidence to the evidentiary items released to the sheriff for safekeeping during or after a trial. This bill would require the law enforcement agency holding this biological evidence within 30 days of the conviction to file a motion for permission to dispose of the evidence relating to a misdemeanor offense. This bill would require the Department of Public Safety to set up and maintain an evidence technician training program.

Analysis: This legislation may help strengthen the chain of evidence in criminal trials and ensure the integrity of evidence through proper training of technicians. This would help to strengthen confidence that evidence is handled correctly and could result in a decrease of wrongful convictions. We support SB 1439.