Carla Walker Act
The Carla Walker Act would create two grant programs administered by the Justice Department to boost state and local forensic capabilities, specifically using advanced DNA analysis and forensic genetic genealogy. The first program (DNA Analysis Grants) would fund eligible entities (states, tribal/local law enforcement, prosecutors with lab capability, medical examiner offices, and coroner’s offices) to use whole genome sequencing-capable technology and genealogical databases to generate investigative leads or identify unidentified remains, including the option to outsource to accredited labs or to privately run labs that commit to accreditation within two years. The second program (Grants to Purchase Forensic Equipment) would fund equipment purchases for publicly funded accredited labs, medical examiners, and coroners to deploy forensic genetic genealogy analysis. Both programs would be funded at about $5 million per year for 2025–2029 (potentially $10 million per year total if both sections are counted together). The act also imposes reporting requirements, sets administrative safeguards, and requires a DOJ-conducted report to Congress within two years on implementation and regulatory needs.
Key Points
- 1Establishes two grant programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968:
- 2- DNA Analysis Grants (Section 3062) to support whole genome sequencing with at least 100,000 genetic markers and compatibility with genealogical databases for investigative use.
- 3- Grants to Purchase Forensic Equipment Enabled for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (Section 3063) to buy equipment to deploy forensic genealogy techniques.
- 4Eligible entities:
- 5- For DNA Analysis Grants: States; Tribal or local law enforcement; prosecutor’s offices with forensic lab capability; medical examiner’s offices; coroner’s offices.
- 6- For Equipment Grants: Publicly funded accredited forensic laboratories; medical examiners’ offices; coroner’s offices.
- 7Use of funds:
- 8- Funds may be used for DNA analyses when standard CODIS testing has not produced leads, to analyze unidentified remains believed to be homicide victims, or to outsource to accredited labs (public or private) or to nongovernmental labs that commit to obtaining accreditation within two years.
- 9- Activities must follow the DOJ interim policy on forensic genealogical DNA analysis and searching (Nov. 1, 2019 or successor).
- 10- Administrative costs are limited to 10% of the grant; staffing, training, travel, and equipment beyond what is specified are generally not covered.
- 11Funding and grants:
- 12- Approximately $5 million per year for 2025–2029 for DNA analysis grants (3062) and $5 million per year for 2025–2029 for equipment grants (3063).
- 13Oversight and accountability:
- 14- Requires regulations and application processes; grants require recordkeeping and audits; the Attorney General can access relevant records; compliance with suspension/debarment rules.
- 15Reporting:
- 16- Grantees must report within 1 year of receiving a grant on funding, cases tested, types of testing performed, outsourcing, results, and time-to-identification metrics.
- 17- A DOJ-commissioned report to Congress within 2 years on grant awards/practices, the status of forensic genetic genealogy, implementation recommendations, and funding/regulatory needs.