FY 2020 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence

Under this program, BJA will provide funding to help defray the costs (e.g., of additional personnel, overtime, testing supplies and services) associated with postconviction DNA testing for violent felony offenses (as defined by state law) in which actual innocence might be demonstrated. Funds may be used to review suitable postconviction cases and to locate and analyze biological evidence. Only a limited portion of funds may be used for case identification activities.

Funded projects are expected to implement some aspect of each of the following activities, except for case identification, which is not mandatory:

• Identify potential postconviction DNA testing cases. A maximum of 15 percent of the proposed budget may be dedicated to case identification activities.
• Review appropriate postconviction cases to identify those in which DNA testing could prove the actual innocence of a person convicted of a violent felony offense as defined by state law.
• Locate biological evidence associated with such postconviction cases.
• Perform DNA analysis of appropriate biological evidence.