FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1560

                          C 40 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Enabling the bureau of forensic laboratory services.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on State Government (Originally sponsored by Representatives McMorris, Scott, Ballasiotes, Mitchell, Romero, Dickerson, McDonald, Poulsen, Bush, Constantine, Fortunato and Murray; by request of Forensic Investigation Council).

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

The State Toxicology Laboratory exists in conjunction with the University of Washington Medical School, and performs all necessary toxicological procedures requested by all coroners, medical examiners, and prosecuting attorneys.  The toxicology lab is funded by disbursements from full service restaurant, full service private club, and sports club entertainment facility license fees.  The state crime lab within the state patrol provides laboratory services to analyze and scientifically handle any physical evidence related to any crime.

The Forensic Investigations Council is actively involved in oversight and preparation of  the budgets of both the crime lab and toxicology lab, and approves both budgets prior to their formal submission to the Office of Financial Management.

Summary:

All powers, duties, functions, and employees of the State Toxicology Laboratory are transferred to the Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services, which is created within the Washington State Patrol to combine the toxicology lab and crime lab as of July 1, 1999.

The Forensic Investigations Council will be involved in oversight and assistance with the  preparation of the bureau's budget, and must approve the budget prior to formal submission to the Office of Financial Management. The council will submit three names to the chief of the Washington State Patrol to serve as possible director of the Bureau of Forensic Services.  The council will further appoint a state toxicologist, and establish the policies, objectives and priorities of the Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 48 0

Effective:  July 1, 1999