MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Judiciary B
By: Representative Franks
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-1-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF AFFIDAVITS BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE CRIME LABORATORY AND LAB TECHNICIANS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 45-1-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
45-1-27. The director shall have responsibilities and duties including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) To plan and give general direction to activities or programs for which he is responsible, through the issuance of directives and orders.
(b) To review proposed changes in policies affecting the operation of the division under his direction.
(c) To maintain liaison with other agencies, divisions or departments of state and federal government.
(d) To approve and maintain uniform procedures and standards of operation for the laboratory.
(e) To supervise and approve procedures and processing of physical evidence.
(f) To present testimony in court by live testimony or affidavit in analysis of physical evidence or authorize the testimony or affidavit of lab technicians employed by the crime laboratory.
(g) To supervise the State Medical Examiner.
(h) To attend scientific conferences and hold classes for law enforcement officers.
(i) To present budget requests to the Legislative Budget Office and to legislative committees.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.