SB 6498-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that, 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.

     Provides that any person who the court determines to be indigent shall be appointed counsel.  The costs of DNA testing shall be paid for any indigent person who obtains an order for DNA testing under chapter 10.73 RCW.