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118th Congress (2023-2024)

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Legislation

Debbie Smith Act

Passed July 30, 2024. Reauthorizes Debbie Smith (BJA CEBR) grants 

Strengthening the Medical Examiner and Coroner System Act of 2024

MEC Resources Legislation. Forensic Pathologist loan reimbursement and funding for Forensic Pathology Fellowships.  Funding for MDI education and training. 

Fentanyl Temporary Scheduling Extension

The 2024 Continuing Resolution, H.R. 10545, The American Relief Act, included language to extends Fentanyl Scheduling again in Sec 5105 of the law.  It states: SEC. 5105. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY ORDER FOR FENTANYL-RELATED SUBSTANCES. Effective as if included in the enactment of the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act (Public Law 116– 8 114), section 2 of such Act is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘March 31, 2025’’.

STOP Smuggling Elicit Synthetic Drugs on US Transportation Networks Act of 2024

Seeks to stop the smuggling of Illicit Drugs in the Transportation System.  Specifically includes several sections related to forensic science to include: 1) including forensic science service providers, medical examiners, toxicologists and coroners in the development of standards for NISTs RaDAR program and inclusion in carrying out the program, 2) Creates with NIST and CDC an Emerging Drugs Pilot Program  to develop a Regional Network of Strategic Emerging Drug Laboratories which will include forensic laboratories, 3) Includes forensic service providers, including publicly funded forensic services, medical examiners, toxicologists and coroners in a ONDCP Public Private Task Force, and 4) Creates a Pilot Program on Improving Crime Scene Investigations and Death Investigations involving Illicit Synthetic Drugs.

Carla Walker Act (FIGG)

Provides for two grants for the forensic science community to outsource and procure FIGG technology as well as provide training to forensic and LE professionals.

National Forensic Science Week 2024

A resolution from Congress supporting the goals and ideals of Forensic Science Week and commending the community’s good work.

National Medicolegal Death Investigation Week 2024

A resolution from Congress supporting the goals and ideals of Medicolegal Death Investigation Week and commending the community’s good work.

Cold Case Modernization Act

Amends Jennifer’s Law to be used  to identify unidentified human remains without regard as to whether the manner of death is determined to be a homicide.

TRACE Act

Adds to NamUs a field to indicate whether last known location of the missing person was suspected to have been on Federal Land and requires a report to Congress containing the number of such cases in a calendar year.

Hearings

Fentanyl Hearing

Committee Lists
Forensic Science Caucus

Congressional Forensic Science Caucus

Budget Related Bills and Communications

FY23 Budget

CFSO is preparing for FY23 by engaging our federal partners as they prepare their budget related to forensic science.  You can see our letters to these agency heads from the links below.

FY24 Budget

CFSO is preparing for FY24 by engaging our federal partners as they prepare their budget related to forensic science.  You can see our letters to these agency heads from the links below.

FY25 Budget

CFSO is preparing for FY25 by engaging our federal partners as they prepare their budget related to forensic science.  You can see our letters to these agency heads from the links below.