Communicating With the Legislature

Building Consensus

Involving all interested agencies in the drafting process builds consensus for the bill. Each agency that works with samples for DNA analysis has different requirements.^9,10 Recognizing and incorporating the needs and requirements of these agencies will help the bill make it onto the floor for a vote and reduce the chance that an agency will have significant issues with the bill as proposed.

For example, a bill presented by law enforcement and prosecutors should also gather input from the laboratory analyzing the samples to avoid negative discussion regarding financial and staffing concerns during the debate.¹¹

Negative discussion can kill or significantly postpone a bill. However, if all stakeholders engage in candid discussions and reach a consensus prior to introduction, the bill stands a greater chance of smooth passage and effective implementation.¹²

⁹ California Crime Laboratory Review Task Force An Examination of Forensic Science in California (2009) PDF download: 3.7MB • Visit the State of California Department of Justice Publications »
¹⁰ New York Office of Forensic Services »
¹¹ Report from California Crime Lab Directors on their view of statewide forensic oversight. PDF download: 720kB • Visit the California Association of Criminalists »
¹² Timothy Cole Advisory Panel On Wrongful Convictions Research Details pp 91–105. PDF download: 1.4MB • Visit the Texas Office of Court Administration Task Force On Indigent Defense »