The Carla Walker Act establishes a federal grant program to help state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, medical examiners, and coroners use advanced DNA analysis technology to solve criminal cases and identify human remains. The program funds two types of grants: one supports conducting forensic genetic genealogy DNA analysis for cases where standard DNA testing hasn't produced leads, and another helps purchase equipment needed to perform this type of testing. The legislation authorizes five million dollars annually for each grant category from fiscal years 2024 through 2028, with up to 10 percent available for administrative costs. Recipients must follow Department of Justice policies on forensic genealogy, maintain detailed records, and submit annual reports on how they use the funding and the results they achieve. Within two years of enactment, the Attorney General must report to Congress on how the grants are being used and provide recommendations for implementing this technology more broadly across forensic laboratories nationwide.
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