(1) There is created within the department the Rapid DNA Grant Program to award grants to county jails or sheriffs’ offices to support local law enforcement agencies in the processing and expediting of DNA samples as defined in, and in support of the statewide DNA database under, s. 943.325. (2) The department shall annually award to county jails or sheriffs’ offices any funds specifically appropriated for the grant program to cover expenses related to the purchasing of DNA testing machines and other necessary supplies. Grants must be provided to county jails or sheriffs’ offices if funds are appropriated for that purpose by law. The total amount of grants awarded may not exceed funding appropriated for the grant program.
(3) The department may establish criteria and set specific time periods for the acceptance of applications and for the selection process for awarding grant funds.
