Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act of 2000

Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes. Provides that if any grant amount is used for such purposes, the State application must include a certification that, as of the date of enactment, the State has established: (1) a forensic science laboratory or system that employs one or more full-time scientists whose principal duties are the examination of physical evidence for law enforcement agencies in criminal matters and who provided testimony with respect to such physical evidence, employs generally accepted practices and procedures, and is accredited by the Laboratory Accreditation Board of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors or the National Association of Medical Examiners or will use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for such accreditation within two years of the date on which a grant is initially awarded; or (2) a medical examiner's office that employs generally accepted practices and procedures, and is, or within two years will be, accredited. Establishes a forensic sciences improvement grant program. Directs the Attorney General to award such grants if specified condition…

Congressional Research Service · 2000-10-26