Bill > H4464

This bill establishes a special legislative commission called the Commission on the Preservation and Storage of Evidence, which will be composed of 15 members including representatives from various legal and law enforcement backgrounds such as elected court clerks, police officers, criminal defense attorneys, law professors, legislators, the attorney general's office, and district attorneys. The commission will conduct a comprehensive examination of current legal frameworks, processes, and challenges related to evidence preservation and storage, focusing on areas like evidence collection, submission, storage, disposition, chain of custody protocols, handling of hazardous and biological materials, and personnel training. Additionally, the commission will investigate the potential for creating a statewide evidence storage facility, including assessing its feasibility and estimated costs. By March 31, 2026, the commission is required to submit a detailed report to state leadership that includes an assessment of current evidence management practices, recommendations for process improvements, guidelines for law enforcement evidence management, potential facility development, and suggested legislative amendments to enhance evidence preservation and storage procedures.

Joint Committee on the Judiciary (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4464