Authorizes federal grants for state and local crime labs, police, prosecutors, and medical examiners to use advanced DNA sequencing and genetic genealogy searches in criminal and unidentified-remains cases, with limits on how the technology is used.

Official title: Carla Walker Act

Next stop House: awaiting action

Timeline each lane is a chamber; dates pull from congress.gov actions

House

Received 15-JUN-2026

Senate

Introduced 22-MAY-2025

Referred 22-MAY-2025

Approved by committee 14-MAY-2026

Reported 20-MAY-2026

On the calendar 20-MAY-2026

Passed 10-JUN-2026

Key points

Authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for each of two grant programs, one for DNA analysis and one for equipment and database searching.
Requires grant recipients to search the Combined DNA Index System first and bars arrests based solely on a genetic genealogy match.
Requires recipients to identify themselves as law enforcement to genetic genealogy services and limits use of samples and profiles to identifying people.
Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations within one year of enactment and requires recipients to report case results and costs.

AI-generated from the Engrossed in Senate text of 10-JUN-2026 · verify · report an error

Official CRS summary

Current. The Congressional Research Service's summary covers the bill's latest wording (Passed Senate, 10-JUN-2026).

CRS is the Library of Congress's nonpartisan research office. Read it on congress.gov

Committee referrals (1)

Policy area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Sponsor John Cornyn (R-TX) Cosponsors · 3

■ 2 D■ 1 R

2 Democrats

1 Republican