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H.R.829 / 103rd Congress

DNA Identification Act of 1993

Received in the Senate.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Mar 29, 1993

DNA Identification Act of 1993 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of drug control and system improvement grants to develop or improve in a forensic laboratory a capability to analyze deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for identification purposes. Sets forth certification requirements with respect to laboratories to conduct DNA analysis using grant funds. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to: (1) appoint an advisory board on DNA quality assurance methods; and (2) issue standards for quality assurance, including standards for testing the proficiency of forensic laboratories and forensic analysts in conducting such analyses. Authorizes the Director to establish an index of DNA identification records of persons convicted of crimes, analyses of DNA samples recovered from crime scenes, and analyses of DNA samples recovered from unidentified human remains. Makes the exchange of DNA identification records subject to cancellation if specified quality control and privacy requirements are not met. Requires: (1) FBI personnel who perform DNA analyses to undergo, at regular intervals, external proficiency testing; and (2) the Director to submit an annual report on the results of such tests to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees for five years and to arrange for periodic blind external tests to determine the proficiency of DNA analysis performed at the FBI laboratory. Restricts disclosure of DNA tests performed for a Federal law enforcement agency to: (1) criminal justice agencies for law enforcement identification purposes; and (2) any defendant for criminal defense purposes. Authorizes disclosure of test results for a population statistics data base, for identification research and protocol development purposes, for quality control purposes if personally identifiable information is removed. Imposes fines of up to $100,000 upon individuals who: (1) having access to individually identifiable DNA information indexed in a database created or maintained by a Federal law enforcement agency by virtue of employment or official position, willfully disclose such information to any person or agency not entitled to receive it; and (2) without authorization, willfully obtain DNA samples or such individually identifiable DNA information. Authorizes appropriations.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-16] · D–CA

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
2 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate.

  2. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 374 - 4 (Roll No. 112).

    House roll call 112 · Individual votes
  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 374 - 4 (Roll No. 112).

    House roll call 112 · Individual votes
  5. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1662)

  6. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  7. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1650-1652)

  9. Mr. Brooks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  10. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 21.

  11. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 103-45.

  12. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 103-45.

  13. Ordered to be Reported (Amended).

  14. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  15. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).

  16. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  17. Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.

  18. Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

  19. Introduced in House

  20. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.829 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.829 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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