Congresswoman Johnson Introduces Legislation To Create Forensic-Science Standards To Prevent Wrongful Convictions

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Senator Jay Rockefeller have introduced legislation that would establish Federal Grants to help create forensic-science standards, in an effort to help reduce wrongful convictions based on flawed forensic results.

“To ensure justice is being served, we want law enforcement and forensic practitioners to work alongside scientists and researchers to make sure that forensic evidence stands up to scientific rigor,” said Congresswoman Johnson .

The Forensic Science and Standards Act would provide $200 Million over the next 5 years in grants to boost forensic science research, and nearly $100 Million in that same period that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) would use to develop standards in the field.