Backlog Justice Act of 2026

(a) Authorization. The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is authorized to develop and operate training programs at the Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratory—

(1) for individuals hired by States and units of local government as analysts to test samples of sexual assault evidence, which may include training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratory or at State and local laboratories;

(2) pursuant to which individuals hired and trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as analysts to test samples of sexual assault evidence, may be hired by States and units of local government upon completion of such training; and

(3) for DNA Technical Leader training, including a curriculum to host both in-person and remote training sessions for technical leaders or trained DNA examiners seeking to become technical leaders.

(b) Rule of construction. Nothing in this section may be construed to require a State or local forensic science services provider to participate in a program established under subsection (a).

(c) Authorization of appropriations. There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.