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District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 5-1501.11. Science Advisory and Review Board.

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

<Text of section applicable upon the date of inclusion of the fiscal effect of D.C. Law 24-348 in an approved budget and financial plan. See, also, section 5-1501.11 applicable until the date of inclusion of the fiscal effect of D.C. Law 24-348 in an approved budget and financial plan.>

(a) Repealed.

(a-1) There is established a Science Advisory and Review Board, which shall consist of 9 voting members to be appointed pursuant to § 1-523.01(f), as follows:

(1) Four members with experience in scientific research and methodology in a forensic science discipline who have published in a peer-reviewed journal;

(2) One member with experience in quality management or assurance in a forensic science or public health laboratory;

(3) One member with expertise in human factors;

(4) One member with expertise in statistical analysis;

(5) One member with expertise in microbiology; and

(6) One member with expertise in epidemiology.

(a-2)(1) Voting members of the Board shall not be currently employed by the Laboratory or another laboratory that provides services to the District, a law enforcement or public safety agency in the District, or the defense bar in the District.

(2) Voting members may reside outside of the District.

(b) Repealed.

(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each voting member shall be appointed for a 3-year term. Whenever a vacancy occurs in an unexpired term, the Mayor shall appoint a replacement to fill that unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(2) The initial term of each member shall be staggered so that 3 members are appointed for one year, 3 members are appointed for 2 years, and 3 members are appointed for 3 years. The members to serve the one-year term, 2-year term, and 3-year term shall be determined by the Mayor at the time of nomination.

(3) The initial terms shall begin on the date a majority of the voting members have been sworn in, which shall become the anniversary date for all subsequent appointments.

(d) The Board shall elect a chairperson from among its voting members.

(e) The presence of a majority of the voting members holding office shall constitute a quorum.

(e-1) Members of the Board shall be entitled to receive a stipend pursuant to § 1-611.08(c-2)(8).

(f) The Board shall hold no fewer than 4 regular meetings per year. The chairperson of the Board shall fix the time and place of each meeting. Additional meetings may be called either by the chairperson or upon the written request of the Director or of any 3 members of the Board.

(g) Minutes shall be prepared for each meeting and be published on the Laboratory's website. A transcript or detailed summary shall meet this requirement.

(h)(1) The Board shall have access to all books, accounts, records, reports, findings, and all other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by the Laboratory that are necessary to accomplish the Board's mission.

(2) If the Board is denied access to any books, accounts, records, reports, or findings, or any other papers, things, or property, the reason for the denial shall:

(A) Be submitted in writing to the Board no later than 7 days after the date of the Board's request;

(B) State the specific reasons for the denial, including citations to any law or regulation relied upon as authority for the denial; and

(C) State the names of the public officials or employees responsible for the decision to deny the request.

(i) The Laboratory shall provide funding to the Board to:

(1) Hire and maintain staff;

(2) Retain counsel; and

(3) Seek an audit or review by an outside organization of the Laboratory.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 5-1501.11. Science Advisory and Review Board. - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/dc/division-i-government-of-district/dc-code-sect-5-1501-11/

Read this complete District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 5-1501.11. Science Advisory and Review Board. on Westlaw

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