H.R. 1105 would authorize the appropriation of $151 million annually over the 2025-2029 period for the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program. Under the program, the Department of Justice (DOJ) awards grants to state and local governments to analyze DNA samples, improve DNA sample collection, prosecute violent crime cold cases, and undertake other work related to criminal investigations. Under current law, the annual authorization of $151 million for this program expires at the end of fiscal year 2024. (In 2023, the Congress provided $130 million for this program.)
Based on the historical spending patterns for this program, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1105 would cost $423 million over the 2024-2028 period and $332 million after 2028, assuming the appropriation of the authorized amounts.
