Carla Walker Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1890
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-15: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T01:39:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The Carla Walker Act establishes grant programs to support forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and searching for law enforcement investigations and identification of unidentified human remains. It amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by adding Part PP to Title I.
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Section 3061): Establishes terms including accredited forensic laboratory, FGG DNA analysis and searching, forensic genetic genealogy profile, genetic genealogy service, and Interim Policy (DOJ's November 1, 2019 policy on forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis).
- DNA Analysis Grants (Section 3062): Authorizes the Attorney General to award competitive grants to eligible entities (states, law enforcement agencies, accredited forensic labs, prosecutors' offices, medical examiners, and coroners) for whole genome sequencing technology compatible with genealogical databases. Funds may be used for DNA analyses when Combined DNA Index System searches fail to produce leads, or for outsourcing such work.
- Requirements and Limitations (Section 3062(e)): Mandates uploading profiles to the Combined DNA Index System first; prohibits arrests based solely on genetic associations; requires law enforcement identification to services; seeks informed consent for reference samples; treats data as confidential; limits use to law enforcement identification; and bars use for medical or psychological traits.
- Grants for Forensic Equipment and Database Searching (Section 3063): Provides grants for purchasing equipment, supplies, and funding searches, with compliance required to the Interim Policy and future regulations.
- Administrative Provisions (Section 3064): Allows the Attorney General to issue guidelines and requires record-keeping and audit access.
- Reports (Section 3065): Requires grantees to submit detailed reports on funding use, cases tested, results, and timelines.
- DOJ Report (Section 3): Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to Congress within three years on awards, technologies, and recommendations for funding and regulations.
- Authorizations: $5 million annually for each grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with limits on administrative costs and non-staffing uses.
- No Preemption (Section 3066): Preserves state and local laws offering equivalent or greater protections.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The Act adds a new Part PP to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, creating dedicated federal grant authority for forensic genetic genealogy activities not previously funded in this manner. It incorporates the DOJ's Interim Policy into statutory requirements and directs new regulations on investigative discretion.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Provides funding to state, local, Tribal, and federal entities for advanced DNA tools, potentially improving cold case resolutions and unidentified remains identifications; requires compliance, record-keeping, and reporting.
- Citizens: May enhance public safety through more investigative leads but introduces safeguards for genetic privacy and consent.
- International Relations: No direct provisions; focuses on domestic law enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State, Tribal, county, and local law enforcement agencies
- Publicly funded accredited forensic laboratories
- Prosecutors' offices with forensic capabilities
- Medical examiners' and coroners' offices
- The Department of Justice (Attorney General)
- Genetic genealogy services and users
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation emphasizes privacy protections, informed consent, and data confidentiality in genetic analysis, while requiring adherence to the Interim Policy and future DOJ regulations. It does not preempt stricter state laws and includes accountability measures such as audits and suspension/debarment rules.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-15: Held at the desk.
- 2026-06-15: Received in the House.
- 2026-06-12: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-06-10: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2724-2727; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2724-2726)
- 2026-06-10: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-20: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 419.
- 2026-05-20: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2026-05-20: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2026-05-14: Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-05-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-05-22: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Carla Walker Act — issued 2026-06-10 — PDF (18 pages)
- Carla Walker Act — issued 2025-05-22 — PDF (11 pages)
- Carla Walker Act — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (28 pages)