Bills · HR 3591
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3591Law enforcement administration and fundingDrug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Carla Walker Act
INTRO MAY 23· LAST ACTION MAY 23
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
10
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a critical gap in forensic capabilities for many local agencies. Currently, some older criminal cases and unidentified human remains cannot be resolved using standard DNA database searches. Advanced techniques like forensic genetic genealogical analysis offer a new tool for investigators, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cases that have been stalled for years or even decades.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to the resolution of more cold cases, bring justice to victims' families, and identify individuals whose remains have gone unnamed. Without this bill, many agencies might lack the funds or expertise to adopt these cutting-edge forensic methods, meaning more cold cases would remain unsolved and more human remains would stay unidentified. It also establishes a framework for how these sensitive DNA techniques should be used, linking them to existing Department of Justice policies.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a grant program for eligible entities (states, tribal/local law enforcement, prosecutors, medical examiners, coroners) to conduct advanced DNA analysis using whole genome sequencing when standard methods fail to produce leads for criminal investigations or identify human remains.
This provision directly funds the application of cutting-edge DNA technology to solve cold cases and identify victims, offering a new avenue for justice.
PROVISION 02
Creates a second grant program to help publicly funded forensic laboratories, medical examiners' offices, and coroners' offices purchase equipment, supplies, and validation services specifically for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis.
This helps agencies build in-house capacity for advanced DNA analysis, reducing reliance on outsourcing and potentially speeding up investigations.
PROVISION 03
Requires that all grant-funded activities, including outsourcing to private labs, must comply with the Department of Justice's 'Interim Policy on Forensic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching' or any successor policy, particularly regarding data handling and communication.
This ensures that sensitive genetic information is handled ethically and consistently, addressing privacy and procedural concerns associated with using genealogical databases.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that any non-governmental forensic laboratory receiving outsourced work must be accredited or actively pursuing accreditation within two years of receiving its first analysis request under the grant program.
This promotes quality control and ensures that forensic analysis funded by these grants is performed by reputable and competent laboratories.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for the grant program to conduct advanced DNA analysis, and an additional $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for the equipment grant program.
This provides significant and sustained funding for five years, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing forensic capabilities nationwide.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 10
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
17
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 40%
DEM 2 REP 8 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 23
Introduced in House
MAY 23
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3591
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 23, 2025
Last actionMay 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 23, 2025
House BillHR 3591Law enforcement administration and fundingDrug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Carla Walker Act
INTRODUCED MAY 23, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
10
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
