H.R. 777 – Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 1:04 AM UTC

The Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019 extends and updates the programs created by the Debbie Smith Act of 2004. It continues federal support for DNA analysis, training, and forensic exam grants, and it adds a requirement that labs prioritize DNA testing for homicides and sexual assaults when possible. The changes affect federal DNA forensic programs, state and local law‑enforcement agencies, and victims of violent crimes.

Key Provisions

Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act to require labs to have a written policy that, as far as practicable and consistent with public safety, prioritizes DNA samples from homicides and sexual assaults.
Updates funding and program periods in several sections of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act and related statutes from the previous 2015‑2019 window to a new 2019‑2024 window.
Extends training and education provisions for DNA forensic work through 2024.
Extends the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Grants program through 2024.

Legislative Activity

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16 earlier actions

Became Law Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 116-104.

December 30, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 24, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

January 24, 2019

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee

March 5, 2019

HouseFloor

Mr. Nadler moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

October 23, 2019 • 1:11 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8403-8409)

October 23, 2019 • 1:11 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 777.

October 23, 2019 • 1:11 PM

HouseFloor

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

October 23, 2019 • 1:50 PM

HouseFloor

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8442-8443)

October 23, 2019 • 6:26 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 584).(text: CR H8404)

View vote Passed

October 23, 2019 • 6:33 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 584). (text: CR H8404)

View vote Passed

October 23, 2019 • 6:33 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

October 23, 2019 • 6:33 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate, read twice.

October 28, 2019

SenateFloor

Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7084)

December 17, 2019

SenateFloor

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

December 19, 2019

President

Presented to President.

December 20, 2019

Became Law

Signed by President.

December 30, 2019

Became Law

Became Public Law No: 116-104.

December 30, 2019

Voting History

1 vote recorded • Roll call available

HOUSE

Roll Call Available

October 23, 2019 at 6:31 PM

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

Majority required: 2/3 (66.7%)

Passed

402 - 1

Bill Text

5 versions available

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Enrolled BillPublication date not provided

One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of America

At the First Session

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and nineteen

H. R. 777

AN ACT

To reauthorize programs authorized under the Debbie Smith Act of 2004.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019.

2.

Reauthorization

Section 2 of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 40701) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (2), by striking including and inserting prioritizing, to the extent practicable consistent with public safety considerations; and

(B)

in paragraph (8), by striking including and inserting in particular,;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in paragraph (6), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(8)

provide assurances that the DNA section of the laboratory to be used to conduct DNA analyses has a written policy that prioritizes the analysis of, to the extent practicable consistent with public safety considerations, samples from homicides and sexual assaults.

;

(3)

in subsection (c)(3)—

(A)

in subparagraph (B), by striking 2014 through 2019 and inserting 2019 through 2024; and

(B)

in subparagraph (C), by striking 2014 through 2019 and inserting 2019 through 2024; and

(4)

in subsection (j), by striking 2015 through 2019 and inserting 2019 through 2024.

3.

Training and education

Section 303(b) of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 (34 U.S.C. 40722(b)) is amended by striking 2015 through 2019 and inserting 2019 through 2024.

4.

Sexual assault forensic exam grants

Section 304(d) of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 (34 U.S.C. 40723(d)) is amended by striking 2015 through 2019 and inserting 2019 through 2024.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.