Bill > S1240

This bill establishes a Forensic Sciences Advisory Board within the executive office of public safety and security to advise the secretary on the administration and delivery of criminal forensic sciences in the commonwealth. The board will be comprised of various officials, including the undersecretary for forensic sciences (who will chair the board), the attorney general, the colonel of the state police, and representatives from police chiefs associations, district attorneys, public counsel services, and bar associations, along with three scientists with specific expertise in forensic, natural/biological, and physical sciences, and two attorneys experienced in criminal law and forensic science. While most members will serve without compensation, scientists may have travel expenses covered for meetings, and all appointed members will serve three-year terms. The board is mandated to meet at least quarterly, coordinate with the medico-legal investigation commission without infringing on its authority, and will receive advice and reports from the undersecretary for forensic sciences regarding service volume, costs, capacity, funding, accreditation, personnel training, facilities expansion (including a new state police crime lab), and partnerships, with the undersecretary also submitting annual budget recommendations to the secretary and the board.