Summary#
S. Res. 395, “A resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week,” is a Senate resolution, not a law changing existing legal duties or rights. The Senate agreed to it on September 16, 2025. Its stated goal is to recognize forensic science work and encourage public understanding and discussion of laboratory needs.
- The resolution recognizes September 14–20, 2025, as National Forensic Science Week.
- It identifies activities for forensic science providers, local policymakers, the public, media, public safety and law enforcement officers, and court officers. These are opportunities, not requirements.
- It does not create a program, direct funding to laboratories, or require anyone to hold an event, tour a laboratory, or take other action.
- It does not change rules for criminal investigations, prosecutions, forensic evidence, or criminal databases.
What it means for you#
- Forensic science providers: The resolution recognizes their work and points to possible activities, such as community events, laboratory tours, and discussions with policymakers. It does not require providers to organize them.
- Local policymakers: It encourages recognition of local laboratories, visits, and discussion of their operational needs. It does not require a proclamation or other action.
- Members of the public and media: It identifies attending events, taking tours, asking about laboratory needs, and reporting on laboratory work as opportunities.
- Public safety, law enforcement, and court officers: It encourages attending events, visiting laboratories, discussing operational needs, and engaging with laboratories. It does not change their legal duties.
- General public: The resolution does not directly change services, criminal cases, or access to forensic science.
Money#
No publicly available information on a cost estimate.
- The resolution does not appropriate money or require spending.
- Any costs of voluntary events or tours are not stated.
What is unclear#
- The resolution does not say whether any events or tours took place, or what they cost.
- It does not set out a process for laboratories to raise operational needs or for policymakers to respond.
- It does not specify any follow-up, reporting, or measure of whether the stated goals were met.
Case for#
- A possible argument for the resolution is that public understanding of forensic science may improve when laboratories can explain their work directly to the public and policymakers.
- It recognizes that forensic science providers contribute scientific information to investigations and trials, and work with government agencies on criminal databases and public safety.
- The resolution creates opportunities for discussion without requiring agencies, laboratories, or the public to take part.
Case against#
- One concern is that recognition alone does not provide laboratories with funding, staff, or other resources.
- The resolution encourages discussion of operational needs but does not require policymakers or agencies to act on what they hear.
- Because participation is voluntary and there is no follow-up process, the resolution does not ensure that its goals lead to lasting changes.