2491-S AMS HSC S4877.3

SHB 2491 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Human Services & Corrections

                                         RULED OUT OF ORDER 3/2/00

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  It has been found that a number of convicted and incarcerated people have been proven innocent by DNA evidence unavailable at the time of conviction.  It is the intent of the legislature to maximize the use of advances in DNA technology for the purposes of exonerating convicted offenders and prosecuting offenders.  Use of DNA technology requires a deliberated balance between the pursuit of truth and finality in the criminal justice system.  The national institute of justice has published a report from the national commission on the future of DNA evidence.  The report entitled "Postconviction DNA:  Recommendations for Handling Requests, September 1999 NCJ 177626," makes recommendations to prosecutors, defense counsel, law enforcement personnel, the court, victims' advocates, and laboratory personnel.  The legislature finds it in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare to implement the recommendations of the report state-wide.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 10.73 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) On or before December 31, 2002, a person convicted in this state may submit a request to the county prosecutor in the county where the conviction was obtained for postconviction DNA testing, if DNA evidence was not admitted because the court ruled DNA testing did not meet acceptable scientific standards or DNA testing technology was not sufficiently developed to test the DNA evidence in the case.  On and after January 1, 2003, a person must raise the DNA issues at trial or on appeal.

    (2) The prosecutor shall screen the request.  The request should be reviewed based upon the likelihood that the DNA evidence would demonstrate innocence on a more probable than not basis.  Upon determining that testing should occur and the evidence still exists, the prosecutor shall request DNA testing by the Washington state patrol crime laboratory.  Contact with victims shall be handled through victim/witness divisions.

    (3) A person denied a request made pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of this section has a right to appeal his or her request within thirty days of denial of the request by the prosecutor.  The appeal shall be to the attorney general's office.  If the attorney general's office determines that it is likely that the DNA testing would demonstrate innocence on a more probable than not basis, then the attorney general's office shall request DNA testing by the Washington state patrol crime laboratory.

    Sec. 3.  RCW 10.37.050 and 1891 c 28 s 29 are each amended to read as follows:

    The indictment or information is sufficient and will toll any statute of limitations if it can be understood therefrom‑-

    (1) That it is entitled in a court having authority to receive (([it.])) it;

    (2) That it was found by a grand jury or prosecuting attorney of the county in which the court was held;

    (3) That the defendant is named, or if his name cannot be discovered, that he is described by a fictitious name or by reference to a unique genetic sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid, with the statement that his real name is ((to the jury)) unknown;

    (4) That the crime was committed within the jurisdiction of the court, except where, as provided by law, the act, though done without the county in which the court is held, is triable therein;

    (5) That the crime was committed at some time previous to the finding of the indictment or filing of the information, and within the time limited by law for the commencement of an action therefor;

    (6) That the act or omission charged as the crime is clearly and distinctly set forth in ordinary and concise language, without repetition, and in such a manner as to enable a person of common understanding to know what is intended;

    (7) The act or omission charged as the crime is stated with such a degree of certainty as to enable the court to pronounce judgment upon a conviction according to the right of the case.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  Nothing in this act is intended to create a legal right or cause of action.  Nothing in this act is intended to deny or alter any existing legal right or cause of action."

SHB 2491 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Human Services & Corrections

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "evidence;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 10.37.050; adding a new section to chapter 10.73 RCW; and creating new sections."

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