HLS 12RS-978 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 237
BY REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON
CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides with respect to criminalistics laboratories
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 15:499(A)(introductory paragraph), relative to certificates of2
analysis; to provide with respect to proof of analysis or examination of physical3
evidence; and to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 15:499(A)(introductory paragraph) is hereby amended and reenacted6
to read as follows: 7
ยง499. Certificates of analysis8
A. All criminalistics laboratories established by laws of this state or by laws9
of the United States, and all coroners, forensic pathologists, and other persons,10
partnerships, corporations, and other legal entities practicing in fields of knowledge11
and expertise in the gathering, examination, and analysis of evidence by scientific12
means are authorized to make proof of examination and analysis of physical13
evidence by the certificate of the person in charge of the facility in which such14
examination and analysis is made making the examination or analysis. Such15
certificate shall list:16
* * *17 HLS 12RS-978 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 237
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Thompson HB No. 237
Abstract: Provides that the person performing the examination or analysis of physical
evidence is authorized to make proof of examination and analysis and deletes
provisions requiring the person in charge of the facility to make such proof.
Present law provides that all criminalistics laboratories and all coroners, forensic
pathologists, and other persons, partnerships, corporations, and other legal entities practicing
in fields of knowledge and expertise in the gathering, examination, and analysis of evidence
by scientific means are authorized to make proof of examination and analysis of physical
evidence by the certificate of the person in charge of the facility in which such examination
and analysis is made.
Proposed law changes present law to authorize the person making the examination or
analysis to certify that the examination or analysis was conducted.
(Amends R.S. 15:499(A)(intro. para.)