S. 499 – Debbie Smith Act of 2023

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 3:42 AM UTC

The Debbie Smith Act of 2023 updates the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act to keep the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program funded for a longer period. It extends the program’s authorization and related audit requirements through 2029, ensuring continued support for clearing DNA evidence backlogs across the United States.

Key Provisions

Extends the reauthorization of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program from the previous deadline of 2024 to 2029.
Extends the audit reporting period for the grant program from 2022 to 2029.

Legislative Activity

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7 earlier actions

HouseFloor Latest Action

Held at the desk.

November 6, 2023 • 6:01 PM

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

February 16, 2023

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

February 16, 2023

SenateCommittee

Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Judiciary Committee

November 2, 2023

SenateFloor

Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.

November 2, 2023

SenateFloor

Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.

November 2, 2023

SenateFloor

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

November 6, 2023

HouseFloor

Received in the House.

November 6, 2023 • 5:57 PM

HouseFloor

Held at the desk.

November 6, 2023 • 6:01 PM

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about S. 499 on the floor

1 Democrat

Sen. Charles E. SchumerD-NY · Nov 2, 2023

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 499 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I ask unanimous…

Bill Text

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Engrossed in SenateIssued November 2, 2023

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 499

AN ACT

To amend the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Debbie Smith Act of 2023.

2.

Reauthorization

Section 2(j) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 40701(j)) is amended by striking through 2024 and inserting through 2029.

3.

Audits to protect integrity of grant awards

Section 2(c)(4) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 40701(c)(4)) is amended by striking 2022 and inserting 2029.

Passed the Senate November 2, 2023.

Secretary