H.R. 8239: Forensic Science Research and Standards Act of 2020

116th Congress · introduced 2020-09-14 · Science, Technology, Communications · Latest: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

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Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2020-09-14 · official record
Who proposed it: Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Forensic Science Research and Standards Act of 2020

Plain summary

Forensic Science Research and Standards Act of 2020 This bill establishes various entities to develop and distribute forensic science standards. The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall establish an interagency working group to coordinate federal investments related to, and develop a research strategy for, forensic science and publish such strategy once every two years. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) shall establish the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science to facilitate the development of forensic science standards. NIST shall establish scientific area committees to carry out the work of the organization and a Forensic Science Standards Board to oversee the operation of the organization and its committees. NIST shall conduct foundational studies to (1) identify and document the technical merit and validity of select forensic science methods, practices, and disciplines; and (2) identify opportunities for advancements in forensic methods, practices, and disciplines through additional research and improvements to practice.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

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What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Forensic Science Research and Standards Act of 2020

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30] · 1 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Frank D. Lucas (R-OK)

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (1)

Bill: A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-116hr8239.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/116/hr>

Record fed-us-cong116-hr8239 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong116 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong116