The legislation establishes an interagency working group on forensic science research that is tasked with coordinating Federal investments and developing a unified Federal research strategy for forensic science research and standards and directs the agencies responsible for forensics science to carry out research and other activities consistent with the strategy. The legislation also codifies the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), including specifying the overall structure and processes of the OSAC, and emphasizing broad stakeholder participation and input, scientific integrity, and transparency. Finally, the legislation directs NIST to carry out foundational studies for forensic science disciplines to identify gaps in scientific knowledge and opportunities to continue to strengthen such disciplines.
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