US Congress · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

S 1890Passed Origin Chamber

Carla Walker Act

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Aug 11, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To President
Became Law

Overview

The Carla Walker Act establishes a grant program to improve forensic activities within state and local law enforcement agencies. Specifically, it provides funding for DNA analysis using advanced technology, including whole genome sequencing, and for purchasing equipment needed for forensic genetic genealogy. The grants aim to enhance investigations by identifying unidentified human remains and potential suspects through genealogical databases. The act also mandates reporting requirements and seeks to inform Congress about the implementation and effectiveness of these technologies.

Key provisions

Creates grant programs for DNA analysis and forensic genetic genealogy equipment.
Eligible recipients include states, tribal/local law enforcement, prosecutor’s offices, medical examiners, and coroners.
Grants can be used for DNA testing, purchasing equipment, and outsourcing analysis to accredited labs.
Requires grantees to adhere to the Department of Justice’s Interim Policy on Forensic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching.
Establishes reporting requirements for grantees, including data on testing results and identification success.
Authorizes appropriations of $5 million per year for the grant programs through 2029.
Limits grant funds to forensic genetic genealogical analysis and prohibits use for staffing, training, or travel.
Requires eligible entities to maintain records and allow access for audits.

Who is affected

Bill text

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May 22, 2025XMLView source

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Legislative history

11 recorded actions

May 22, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

May 22, 2025

Introduced in Senate

May 14, 2026Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

May 20, 2026Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 419.

May 20, 2026Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

May 20, 2026

Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Jun 10, 2026Senate

Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2724-2727; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2724-2726)

Jun 10, 2026

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.

Jun 12, 2026Senate

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Jun 15, 2026House

Held at the desk.

Jun 15, 2026House

Received in the House.

Votes

Recorded roll calls and chamber actions on this bill.

Passage without roll call

The official record shows passage by unanimous consent or voice vote where no roll call was taken. No member-level tally is available for these steps, and the district map does not apply.

6/10/2026SenateVoice vote
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2724-2727; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2724-2726)
No roll-call vote on record for this action.
6/10/2026Voice vote
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
No roll-call vote on record for this action.

Floor votes and chamber actions

Recorded roll calls list how each member voted. Unanimous consent or voice vote appears in the official action history without a roll call; no member-level tally is available for those steps.

Passage without roll call

Jun 10, 2026SenateVoice vote
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2724-2727; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2724-2726)
No roll-call vote on record for this action.
Jun 10, 2026Voice vote
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
No roll-call vote on record for this action.

Geography

Recorded positions across the country.

No public positions recorded for this legislation.

Arguments

Reasons offered for and against this legislation.

Arguments in favor

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Arguments opposed

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Carla Walker Act

Progress