HB 2499

Abstract

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections with respect to crime laboratory analysis fees. In the definition of "crime laboratory", provides that it must be formally accredited and must regularly employ persons who conduct analyses and provide testimony with respect to drug identification, latent fingerprint analysis, and DNA analysis. Also provides that the term "crime laboratory" means any "laboratory or laboratory system" (rather than any "not for profit laboratory"). Excludes from the definition of "crime laboratory" a laboratory operated by the Illinois Department of State Police. Enumerates additional offenses for which a guilty offender must pay a fee and increases those fees to varied amounts depending on the offense. Establishes that fees collected on behalf of the State pursuant to other specified Sections under the Act render the State ineligible to receive crime laboratory analysis fees. Permits the clerk of the circuit court to retain $10 from each collected analysis fee and deposit it into the Circuit Court Clerk Operation and Administrative Fund when a unit of local government has not established a crime laboratory fund. Provides that laboratories using a crime laboratory fund must have and file documented procedures and policies concerning its response to discoveries of misconduct or incompetence and claims of innocence by convicted prisoners. Makes other changes.