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MOSES asks lawmakers to restore forensic‑scientist representation on Forensic Science Oversight Board
Summary
The Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES) asked the committee to amend H.B.2660 to return employee representation to the Forensic Science Oversight Board, arguing scientific expertise was removed when the board was reorganized following the 2018 criminal‑justice reform law.
Joe Duran, legislative chair of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES), urged the Joint Committee to report H.B.2660 favorably. The bill would restore workforce representation on the Forensic Science Oversight Board by adding seats for a MOSES representative and a Boston Police crime‑scene unit representative.
Duran said the board — which advises the secretary of public safety on forensic‑science matters, accreditation, training and funding — lost direct employee representation after the criminal‑justice reform law enacted in 2018 reorganized oversight. “Advice to the secretary on these topics without the input of representatives of those who perform these functions would significantly limit the secretary's ability to make sound and informed decisions,” he said.
MOSES represents roughly 4,000 state scientists and engineers across 30 agencies, including forensic scientists who collect evidence, test samples and testify in court, Duran said. He asked the committee to return practical laboratory and field experience to the board so policymakers benefit from the perspective of practitioners.
The committee did not take a vote during the hearing.
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