State police must handle DNA samples and records, may use qualified labs and share certain database results, and may create and maintain a separate population database under disclosure limits.
§612. DNA data base exchange A. The state police shall receive, store, and perform analysis on DNA samples or contract for DNA typing analysis with a qualified DNA laboratory that meets the guidelines as established by the state police and shall classify and file the DNA record of identification characteristic profiles of DNA samples submitted under this Chapter and make such information available as provided in this Section. The state police may enter a contract for the storage of DNA typing analysis and for DNA typing analysis with a qualified DNA laboratory that meets guidelines as established by the state police. The results of the DNA profile of individuals in the state DNA database shall be made available: (1) To criminal justice agencies or approved crime laboratories which serve these agencies. (2) Upon written or electronic request and in furtherance of an official investigation of a criminal offense or offender or suspected offender. B. The state police shall adopt guidelines governing the methods of obtaining information from the state DNA database and procedures for verification of the identity and authority of the requestor. C.(1) The state police may create a separate population database comprised of DNA samples obtained under this Chapter after all personal identification is removed. The state police may share or disseminate the population database with other criminal justice agencies or crime laboratories that serve to assist the state police with statistical databases. The population database may be made available to and searched by other agencies participating in the CODIS system. This separate population database may be used for the following: (a) To assist federal, state, and local criminal justice and law enforcement agencies in the identification and detection of individuals in criminal investigations or in declared or nondeclared disaster victim identification. (b) For a population statistics database. (c) For identification and protocol development purposes. (d) For quality control purposes. (e) To reduce the rape kit backlog at the Louisiana State Police crime lab. (2) The state police shall maintain this separate population database, and it shall be subject to the same disclosure prohibitions as the state data bank pursuant to R.S. 15:617. Acts 1997, No. 737, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; H.C.R. No. 40, 1999 R.S., eff. June 21, 1999; Acts 2023, No. 86, §1.