Expanding access to postconviction DNA testing in Washington to reduce litigation costs and exonerate the wrongly convicted.

The bill aims to reduce litigation costs and exonerate the wrongly convicted by expanding access to postconviction DNA testing. It allows sentencing courts to order the preservation of biological material and evidence samples for testing. A convicted person can request DNA testing if it could support their claim of innocence, and the court must grant the request if the state does not oppose it within 30 days. The bill also presumes the test results most favorable to the convicted person in evaluating the state's burden of proof.

Expanding access to postconviction DNA testing in Washington to reduce litigation costs and exonerate the wrongly convicted.

The bill aims to reduce litigation costs and exonerate the wrongly convicted by expanding access to postconviction DNA testing. It allows sentencing courts to order the preservation of biological material and evidence samples for testing. A convicted person can request DNA testing if it could support their claim of innocence, and the court must grant the request if the state does not oppose it within 30 days. The bill also presumes the test results most favorable to the convicted person in evaluating the state's burden of proof.