Colorado lawmakers introduce bill for crime lab misconduct reporting

In response to a scandal involving former Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) analyst Yvonne 'Missy' Woods, who allegedly mishandled over 1,000 DNA test results, bipartisan lawmakers have introduced the Forensic Science Integrity Act. This legislation mandates that crime lab employees report suspected misconduct to their supervisors within 14 days and requires subsequent investigations, aiming to restore public trust in forensic evidence. The bill also compels the CBI to notify district attorneys, defendants, and victims about any misconduct affecting cases, ensuring transparency and accountability in the justice system. Additionally, the legislation provides a pathway for wrongfully convicted individuals to have their cases reviewed and potentially vacated if evidence misconduct is uncovered. Lawmakers emphasized that the integrity of forensic science is crucial for justice, particularly for victims and wrongfully accused individuals. The proposal comes amid efforts to address a backlog in rape kit testing and improve overall accountability in crime labs across Colorado.