Virginia § 9.1-1110 - Functions of Forensic Science Board

§ 9.1-1110. Functions of Forensic Science Board

A. The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Adopt regulations, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), for the administration of (i) this chapter or (ii) §§ 18.2-268.6, 18.2-268.9, 19.2-188.1, and 19.2-310.5 and for any provisions of the Code as they relate to the responsibilities of the Department. Any proposed regulations concerning the privacy, confidentiality, and security of criminal justice information or DNA identification shall be submitted for review and comment to any board, commission, or committee or other body that may be established by the General Assembly to regulate the privacy, confidentiality, and security of information collected and maintained by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof;

2. Develop and establish program and fiscal standards and goals governing the operations of the Department;

3. Ensure the development of long-range programs and plans for the incorporation of new technologies as they become available;

4. Review and comment on all budgets and requests for appropriations for the Department prior to their submission to the Governor and on all applications for federal funds;

5. Monitor the activities of the Department and its effectiveness in implementing the standards and goals of the Board;

6. Advise the Governor, Director, and General Assembly on matters relating to the Department and forensic science in general;

7. Review, amend, and approve recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee;

8. Monitor the receipt, administration, and expenditure of all funds and other assistance available for carrying out the purposes of this chapter;

9. Approve Department applications for grants from the United States government or any other source in carrying out the purposes of this chapter and approve of acceptance of any and all donations both real and personal, and grants of money from any governmental unit or public agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. With regard to any grants of money from a governmental or public agency, the Board may delegate or assign the duties under this subdivision to the chairman of the Board who may, with the concurrence of the vice-chairman and in consultation with the Director, make such determinations. Any grants or donations received pursuant to this section shall be detailed in the annual report of the Board. The report shall include the identity of the donor, the nature of the transaction, and the conditions, if any. Any moneys received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the state treasury to the account of the Department;

10. Monitor all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of the duties of the Department and execution of its powers under this chapter, including but not limited to, contracts with the United States, units of general local government or combinations thereof, in Virginia or other states, and with agencies and departments of the Commonwealth; and

11. Recommend actions to foster and promote coordination and cooperation between the Department and the user programs that are served.

B. By November 1 of each year, the Board shall review and make recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, and the Crime Commission concerning:

1. New major programs and plans for the activities of the Department and elimination of programs no longer needed;

2. Policy and priorities in response to agency needs;

3. General fiscal year operational budget and any major changes in appropriated funds;

4. Actions to foster and promote coordination and cooperation between the Department and the user programs which are served;

5. Rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this chapter; and

6. Any recommendations submitted to the Board or the Director by the Scientific Advisory Committee.

2005, cc. 868, 881; 2006, cc. 327, 551.