HB2164 establishes a presumption for postconviction DNA testing in Washington state to reduce litigation costs and exonerate the wrongly convicted.

HB2164 aims to reduce litigation costs by removing barriers to postconviction DNA testing in Washington state. The bill presumes that DNA testing will be conducted when requested by a convicted person, provided the test results could support their claim of innocence. It mandates that biological material from criminal cases be preserved and tested by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. The bill also allows indigent convicted persons to request court-appointed counsel to prepare and present a motion for DNA testing.

HB2164 establishes a presumption for postconviction DNA testing in Washington state to reduce litigation costs and exonerate the wrongly convicted.

HB2164 aims to reduce litigation costs by removing barriers to postconviction DNA testing in Washington state. The bill presumes that DNA testing will be conducted when requested by a convicted person, provided the test results could support their claim of innocence. It mandates that biological material from criminal cases be preserved and tested by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. The bill also allows indigent convicted persons to request court-appointed counsel to prepare and present a motion for DNA testing.