HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis     Bill No.  SSB 5578

Relating to the state toxicology lab.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 3/24/99

Senators Patterson, Horn, and Costa.     Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

The State Toxicology Lab was established in conjunction with the University of Washington Medical School and under the authority of the State Forensic Investigations Council.  The state toxicologist is appointed by the State Forensic Investigations Council, and the council oversees and controls the toxicology lab.

The lab performs all necessary toxicological procedures requested by all coroners, medical examiners, and prosecuting attorneys.  The lab is currently funded by license fee disbursements from full service restaurants, full service private clubs, and sports club entertainment facilities.

The crime lab is also under the authority of the State Forensic Investigations Council, however it is housed within the Washington State Patrol.  The crime lab provides laboratory services to analyze and scientifically handle any physical evidence related to any crime.

The Forensic investigations Council is actively involved in preparing 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 Lab are transferred to the Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services of the Washington State Patrol.

The Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services is created within the Washington State Patrol to combine the toxicology and crime labs under one bureau, and is to provide all services of the two labs. 

The Forensic Investigations Council will be involved in assisting preparation of the budget of both labs, and must approve the budget prior to formal submission to the Office of Financial Management.

The Forensic Investigations Council will also prescribe the qualifications for a director, and submit three names to the chief of the Washington State Patrol to serve as 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 Investigatory Services.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  The bill takes effect July 1,  1999.