Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2014

Summary

Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2014 - Establishes a national forensic science research program to improve, expand, and coordinate federal research in forensic sciences. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to develop a report identifying the most critical forensic science disciplines that require further research to strengthen the scientific foundation in those disciplines and making recommendations. Establishes a National Forensic Science Coordinating Office at the NSF to coordinate among federal agencies: (1) the development of a unified federal research strategy to enhance the validity and reliability of forensic science disciplines; (2) the development of a five-year roadmap, updated triennially, for the unified strategy; and (3) any necessary programs, policies, and budgets to support implementation of the roadmap. Directs NSF to create a merit-reviewed, competitive forensic science research grants program to improve the foundation and practice of forensic science in the United States, based on recommendations in the unified strategy. Requires NSF to: (1) establish two forensic science research centers to conduct research consistent with the unified strategy, (2) award a grant of up to $10 million to each center, and (3) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the grants program every four years. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify or coordinate the development of forensic science standards to enhance the validity and reliability of forensic science activities. Requires NIST to establish a Forensic Science Advisory Committee to provide advice to federal agencies, NIST, and the Department of Justice. Instructs the Attorney General to promote the adoption of the standards developed under this Act.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 12 February 2014

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 12 February 2014

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 9 April 2014

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

   Source: Committee

4. 8 December 2014

   Calendars

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 619.

   Source: Calendars

5. 8 December 2014

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

   Source: Committee

6. 8 December 2014

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

   Source: Committee

7. 12 December 2014

   Floor

   By Senator Rockefeller from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 113-320.

   Source: Floor

8. 12 December 2014

   Committee

   By Senator Rockefeller from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 113-320.

   Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Reported to Senate · 8 December 2014 · Official file
• Introduced in Senate · 12 February 2014 · Official file

Documents

6 official files

• Reported to Senate (text)

  Reported to Senate · EN · 8 December 2014

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Reported to Senate (PDF)

  Reported to Senate · EN · 8 December 2014

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 8 December 2014

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 12 February 2014

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 12 February 2014

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 12 February 2014

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV] · D · Sponsor
• Richard Blumenthal · D · Cosponsor
• · sscm00 · Standing

Related records

• related to → Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2013