HB 4892

Abstract

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code to the contrary, forensic testing that would result in the complete consumption of an evidentiary sample shall be permitted if the forensic testing utilizes methods sufficiently established in the particular field that have gained general acceptance and the forensic testing was not conducted in bad faith. Provides that prior to conducting forensic testing that would result in the complete consumption of an evidentiary sample, a forensic scientist must take all reasonable measures to preserve a portion of the evidentiary sample for subsequent forensic testing, unless in the course of the requested forensic testing, the forensic scientist has determined that complete consumption of an evidentiary sample is required to pursue a meaningful analytical result. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is unlawful for a law enforcement agency or an agent acting on behalf of the law enforcement agency to intentionally fail to comply with the provision. Provides that a violation is a Class 4 felony.