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Senate advances SB19 to address forensic backlog at RCCFL; moves bill to third reading
Summary
Sen. Wyler presented SB19 to create a fee schedule for jurisdictions using the RCCFL forensic facility to reduce backlog in forensic device processing; the Senate agreed to read the bill a third time to allow further stakeholder work (third-reading motion passed 26–1–2).
Senate Bill 19, described by sponsor Sen. Wyler as a response to delays at a regional forensic processing facility, was presented on the floor and moved to third reading for further stakeholder work.
Wyler said investigators and prosecutors often wait nine to 12 months for devices sent to a facility he referred to as "RCCFL," creating delays that can hold evidence and impede cases. He described some jurisdictions hiring dedicated staff while others "freeload" on the facility's capacity. "Justice delayed is justice denied," Wyler said, arguing a modest fee schedule for jurisdictions using RCCFL would help reduce backlog and improve turnaround times.
Wyler said the bill establishes a tiered fee schedule intended to be smaller for less-populous counties so small jurisdictions are not priced out of forensic processing. He emphasized stakeholder engagement is ongoing and that he asked to have the bill read a third time to continue discussions rather than press for immediate final passage.
On the motion to read SB19 for a third time, the clerk announced 26 votes in favor, 1 nay, and 2 absent; the motion to read the bill a third time carried. Wyler said he still sought additional stakeholder input before moving to final passage.
The Senate did not enact the final passage of SB19 during this floor session; the bill remains to be finalized following further stakeholder comment. The sponsor and senators discussed funding design and equitable fee scaling during the presentation.
