Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement with Travis County relating to services arising from the closing of the Austin Police lab that processed DNA evidence to add four 12-month renewal options beginning on October 1, 2026, for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,200,000. Funding: $254,675 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Forensic Science. Funding for the remaining contract period is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
De
Lead Department
Austin Forensic Science.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $254,675 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Forensic Science. Funding for the remaining contract period is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Prior Council Action:
September 15, 2022 - Council authorized execution of an interlocal agreement with Travis County for services relating to the APD DNA lab closure and share costs on a 9-0 vote with Council Members Casar and Garza off the dais.
For More Information:
Dana Kadavy, Director, Austin Forensic Science.
Additional Backup Information:
The interlocal agreement documents the obligations and responsibilities of the County and City regarding funding a professional services agreement (PSA) with the Capital Area Private Defenders (CAPDS) Forensic Project to address and rectify the criminal justice-related issues arising from the closing of the Austin Police (APD) Lab that processed DNA evidence. Under this interlocal agreement, the City and County agree to equally share costs for CAPDS to litigate cases where a person may have been wrongfully convicted. This agreement expires on September 30, 2026.
The performance of CAPDS continues to be necessary to ensure all past convictions based on evidence analyzed in the former APD DNA Unit are appropriately litigated. It is necessary to extend the term of the agreement and continue funding to complete th...
Click here for full text