Section 943.327 - [Effective 7/1/2024] Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program(1) As used in this section, the term "forensic investigative genetic genealogy" means the combined application of laboratory testing, genetic genealogy, and law enforcement investigative methods to develop investigative leads in unsolved violent crimes and provide investigative leads as to the identity of unidentified human remains. Such methods must be in accordance with department rule and compatible with multiple genealogical databases that are available for law enforcement use for the purposes described in this section. For purposes of the grant program created in this section, funding is intended to be used for developing genealogy DNA profiles consisting of 100,000 or more markers.(2) There is created within the department the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program to award grants to statewide and local law enforcement agencies and medical examiner's offices to support those agencies and offices in the processing of DNA samples as specified under subsection (4).(3) The department shall annually award to statewide and local law enforcement agencies and medical examiner's offices any funds specially appropriated for the grant program to cover expenses related to using forensic investigative genetic genealogy methods to generate investigative leads for criminal investigations of violent crimes and to aid in the identification of unidentified human remains.(4) Grants may be used in accordance with department rule for any of the following purposes: (a) The analysis of DNA samples collected under applicable legal authority using forensic investigative genetic genealogy methods for solving violent crimes.(b) The analysis of DNA samples of unidentified human remains.(5) Each grant recipient shall provide to the executive director a report no later than 1 year after receipt of funding under the grant program. The report must include all of the following: (a) The amount of funding received.(b) The number and type of cases pursued using forensic investigative genetic genealogy methods.(c) The type of forensic investigative genetic genealogy methods used, including the name of the laboratory to which such testing was outsourced, if any, and the identity of the entity conducting any genetic genealogical research.(d) The result of the testing, such as decedent identification, perpetrator identification, or no identification.(e) The amount of time it took to make an identification or to determine no identification could be made.(6) The department may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement and administer this section and to establish the process for the allocation of grant funds.Added by 2024 Fla. Laws, ch. 113,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.