Press Release
By Florida House of Representatives
03-07-24
TALLAHASSEE, Fla (March 7, 2024) – In a substantial stride towards advancing forensic science within the state, Florida House Representative Adam Anderson has successfully spearheaded the passing of Senate Bill 678 (SB 678) – Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program, on the House floor. This milestone legislation, which saw a unanimous vote of 113 Yeas and 0 Nays, is designed to bolster the capabilities of law enforcement agencies across Florida in solving crimes and identifying unidentified human remains through cutting-edge genetic genealogy techniques.
SB 678 establishes a grant program within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), designed to assist statewide and local law enforcement agencies or medical examiner’s offices in accessing advanced forensic technology. This initiative comes at a critical time as Florida faces over 19,000 cold cases, 75% of which have DNA evidence awaiting further analysis. Additionally, the state has 904 unidentified human cases, with 99% being suitable for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) testing, and more than 1,000 unsolved sexual assaults.
Under the FDLE’s stewardship, the program will allocate $500,000 annually to cover expenses related to utilizing forensic genetic genealogy methods. These innovative approaches are expected to generate vital investigative leads in unsolved violent crimes and aid in the identification of unidentified human remains. The grant aims to enable a combination of laboratory testing, genetic genealogy, and law enforcement investigative techniques to produce DNA profiles more compatible with multiple genealogical databases for law enforcement use.
In a reflective statement about the bill’s significance, Representative Adam Anderson remarked, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing effort to pursue public safety and justice in Florida. With the passing of SB 678, we’re not just adopting a new set of tools for law enforcement; we are embracing a future where technology and genetics converge to unlock cases that have remained unsolved for too long. This legislation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the victims and their families, guaranteeing that no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of justice. It embodies our collective resolve to leverage every scientific advancement at our disposal to make our communities safer and bring solace to those who have been waiting for answers.”
“In recent years, the scientific barriers to solving cases have been largely overcome, leaving funding as the major obstacle. This first in the nation dedicated fund designed to harness the latest technology and ensure equity and effectiveness in our criminal justice system will be transformational,” said Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer of Othram Inc.
“As the President of Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, I stand with immense pride as we mark the enactment of SB 678 – a legislative milestone that propels law enforcement in our state into a new era,” stated Jonathan Vazquez. He continued, “This legislation is a game-changer, offering a significant boost to our investigative capabilities. It enables agencies throughout Florida to effectively combat crime and swiftly identify unknown human remains with the aid of advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Today’s enactment of SB 678 signifies a significant milestone in our collective effort to uphold the integrity of our profession and the safety of our citizens. As Police Officer Union President, I commend the foresight and dedication of those involved in the passage of this legislation, and I am confident that it will greatly enhance our ability to serve and protect the people of Florida.”
SB 678 underscores Florida’s commitment to embracing modern scientific advancements in criminal investigations and exemplifies bipartisan support for enhancing public safety and forensic investigative capabilities across the state.
Please direct press inquiries for Representative Anderson to [email protected].