A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Held at the desk.
Passed one chamber, waiting for the other to take it up
Passed one chamber, and the other has not yet sent it to a committee or put it on its calendar.
The other chamber will hand it to a committee, place it on its calendar, or leave it where it is. Nothing has been decided, and a bill can sit here indefinitely.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate voice vote
- Awaiting House
The Senate by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The Carla Walker Act establishes a grant program to improve forensic activities through advanced DNA analysis. It authorizes competitive grants for eligible entities to utilize whole genome sequencing technology compatible with genealogical databases. These funds are intended to assist in investigations and the identification of unidentified human remains when standard DNA index searches fail. The Act sets specific requirements for the use of forensic genetic genealogy to ensure legal and privacy standards are met. It also establishes reporting and accountability measures for entities receiving these funds.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +5
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill mandates privacy protections against the misuse of genetic data for medical profiling.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds advanced genomic technologies for forensic and investigative purposes.
- Scored +4
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill includes specific provisions to protect genetic privacy and treat genetic profiles as confidential government information.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
The expansion of forensic genetic genealogy capabilities increases the technical capacity for domestic surveillance.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Criminal Investigations: The bill allows for the use of whole genome sequencing technology to generate investigative leads when other methods fail (Section 3062(b)).
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Identification of Human Remains: Grants can be used to conduct DNA analyses on unidentified human remains to help identify them (Section 3062(d)).
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Privacy Protections: The Act requires that law enforcement treat forensic genetic genealogy profiles and account information as confidential government information (Section 3062(e)(5)).
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Strict Use of Data: Biological samples and genetic profiles can only be used for law enforcement identification purposes (Section 3062(e)(6)).
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Prevention of Medical Profiling: The law prohibits using biological samples or genetic profiles to determine genetic predispositions for diseases or other medical or psychological traits (Section 3062(e)(10)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Arrests: Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from making an arrest based solely on a genetic association generated by a genetic genealogy service (Section 3062(e)(2)).
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Genetic Privacy Disclosure: The bill requires that entities search only in genetic genealogy services that provide explicit notice to the public and users that law enforcement may use the service to investigate crimes (Section 3062(e)(3)(B)).
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Requirement for Informed Consent: Entities must seek informed consent from third parties before collecting reference samples directly from an individual, unless specific circumstances exist that could compromise an investigation (Section 3062(e)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill mandates privacy protections against the misuse of genetic data for medical profiling. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires detailed reporting on the use of funds and the results of forensic genetic genealogy searches. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill prohibits arrests based solely on genetic associations, providing a procedural safeguard. Does this give the federal government more power? — The act increases federal oversight through grant-making authority and regulatory requirements for local law enforcement.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds advanced genomic technologies for forensic and investigative purposes. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill includes specific provisions to protect genetic privacy and treat genetic profiles as confidential government information.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill establishes privacy safeguards and limitations on the use of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — The expansion of forensic genetic genealogy capabilities increases the technical capacity for domestic surveillance.
- 6/15/2026
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 6/12/2026
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 6/10/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice 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)
- 5/20/2026
- Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 419.
- 5/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/14/2026
- Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 12/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont