The bill mandates the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory (MSPCL) to submit quarterly reports to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, detailing the lab's caseload, turnaround times, and accreditation status. The reports will include specific metrics such as the number of case assignments cleared for testing, those assigned to analysts, completed reports, average turnaround times, and total case backlog. The MSPCL is structured into various sections, including Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Identification, each responsible for different types of forensic analysis and evidence handling.
Additionally, the MSPCL is required to maintain its accreditation status, overseen by the Quality Assurance Unit, which ensures compliance with established standards through regular audits and assessments. The MSPCL is currently accredited by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), and the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining these standards to support the Commonwealth's criminal justice system effectively. The report will also include a summary of the accredited locations and disciplines, ensuring transparency and accountability in the MSPCL's operations.