This section modifies existing section 43.43.670. Here is the modified chapter for context.
There is created in the Washington state patrol a bureau of forensic laboratory services system which is authorized to:
Provide laboratory services for the purpose of analyzing and scientifically handling any physical evidence relating to any crime.
Provide training assistance for local law enforcement personnel.
Provide all necessary toxicology services requested by all coroners, medical examiners, and prosecuting attorneys.
The bureau of forensic laboratory services shall assign priority to a request for services with due regard to whether the case involves criminal activity against persons. The Washington state forensic investigations council shall assist the bureau of forensic laboratory services in devising policies to promote the most efficient use of laboratory services consistent with this section. The forensic investigations council shall be actively involved in the preparation of the bureau of forensic laboratory services budget and shall approve the bureau of forensic laboratory services budget prior to its formal submission by the state patrol to the office of financial management pursuant to RCW 43.88.030.
The bureau of forensic laboratory services, in consultation with the Washington state forensic investigations council, must adopt rules by July 1, 2022, for the state toxicology laboratory, as defined in RCW 43.103.020, requiring the laboratory to:
Conduct periodic sampling and testing for contamination in the laboratory and its other work areas; and
Coordinate a periodic workplace safety assessment and additional assessment of surfaces, air sampling, and laboratory policies and procedures to be conducted by a federal agency or private third party to include a corrective action report for noted deficiencies**.**
The Washington state forensic investigations council must study and adopt recommendations and endorsements by July 1, 2022, for reducing contamination in the laboratory, and implementing any required legal disclosures to the laboratory's policies and procedures.