Backlog Justice Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Sep 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The Backlog Justice Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Cleaver, aims to improve the processing of sexual assault evidence. It proposes establishing a national, publicly accessible online database to track sexual assault evidence kits submitted for testing by states and local governments. This database would include information on how long it takes each laboratory to test these kits.
The bill also seeks to enhance training for analysts who test sexual assault evidence by allowing the FBI to develop and operate training programs. States and local governments could hire analysts trained by the FBI. Additionally, the bill authorizes the FBI to coordinate a program with state and local forensic providers to research and transfer new DNA processing technologies and analytical methods.
Furthermore, the Act would incentivize states to adopt electronic tracking systems for sexual assault kits that inform survivors about the processing stages of their kits, by increasing their grant funding by up to 10%. Finally, it mandates a report on the status and needs of the public forensic science enterprise, including workload, backlogs, and personnel requirements. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
16 Sep 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10426 do?
- The Backlog Justice Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Cleaver, aims to improve the processing of sexual assault evidence. It proposes establishing a national, publicly accessible online database to track sexual assault evidence kits submitted for testing by states and local governments. This database would include information on how long it takes each laboratory to test these kits. The bill also seeks to enhance training for analysts who test sexual assault evidence by allowing the FBI to develop and operate training programs. States and local governments could hire analysts trained by the FBI. Additionally, the bill authorizes the FBI to coordinate a program with state and local forensic providers to research and transfer new DNA processing technologies and analytical methods. Furthermore, the Act would incentivize states to adopt electronic tracking systems for sexual assault kits that inform survivors about the processing stages of their kits, by increasing their grant funding by up to 10%. Finally, it mandates a report on the status and needs of the public forensic science enterprise, including workload, backlogs, and personnel requirements. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Has H.R. 10426 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10426. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10426?
- H.R. 10426 was sponsored by Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5] (D-MO), with 20 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10426?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (16 Sep 2026).
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