Brief Description: Revising the forensic pathology program.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Thibaudeau, Brandland and Franklin).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Background: The State Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program has joint oversight with the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Washington State Forensic Investigation Council over the Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services. The council, in consultation with the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, controls the operation and establishes policies of the Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services. The program is funded from the general fund death investigation account.

The fellowship position has been difficult to fill in recent years and has been vacant during the past four years.

Summary: Removes the requirement that the State Treasurer make disbursements to the Washington State Forensic Investigations Council for the purpose of funding the state forensic program. The Forensic Investigations Council must have oversight of any state forensic pathologist program.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      46   0
House      98   0   (House amended)
Senate      41   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: July 24, 2005