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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SJC Amendments

The Senate Judiciary Committee amends Section1 to limit expenditures to fiscal year 2000. Also, amends language to revert at the end of fiscal year 2000 to the general fund.

Synopsis of Bill

SB 327 makes a one-time appropriation to the DNA identification system fund. The appropriation is for $237,000 from the general fund to the DNA identification system fund and is for expenditure in FY 2000 and subsequent fiscal years for the purpose of purchasing equipment and hiring personnel to operate the DNA identification system. Any unexpended or unencumbered balances remaining at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund. The fund which is receiving the appropriation was created by legislation in 1997. The continually renewable source for funding the fund is from $100 fees assessed offenders under the DNA Identification Act. Because of the short period of time that the act has been in effect, there is not enough money to fund the operation of the administrative center through purchase of equipment and funding for FTE's to perform the necessary DNA analysis. That is the reason for the $237,000 appropriation in this fiscal year to the fund.

Significant Issues

The only significant issue for this agency would be if the legislation making the appropriation is not passed.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The Department of Public Safety reports the only significant issue for this agency would be if the legislation making the appropriation is not passed.

The DNA Oversight Committee estimates the FY2000 budget to be $396.0

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Department of Public Safety reports the only significant issue for this agency would be if the legislation making the appropriation is not passed.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The DNA Oversight Committee has indicated that the functional assessment related to the fund is not functional at this point in time. The offenses must occur after July 1, 1997 and a fee of $100 per felony conviction is collected. It is estimated that the rate of collection is approximately 10 percent and the estimated felony convictions is approximately 9,300.

The DNA Oversight Committee reports the maximum estimated rate of assessment collection is $93.0 per year minus the cost of collection. Currently only the state of Alabama has a functional system of assessment to fund their DNA database program.

The DNA Oversight Committee estimates the FY2000 budget to be $396.0

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