SB 5934 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Reducing litigation costs by removing barriers to postconviction DNA testing.

SB 5934 would expand access to postconviction DNA testing for people convicted of felonies in Washington state who claim innocence. It establishes a presumption that courts must grant DNA testing requests when the results could show innocence, shifting the burden to the state to prove testing wouldn't demonstrate innocence with "clear and convincing evidence." The bill also requires courts to grant requests if the state doesn't oppose them within 30 days and clarifies that preserved biological evidence must be kept per state law. This aims to reduce unnecessary court costs and litigation while improving the accuracy of criminal convictions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 23, 2025 Last action Jan 26, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM.
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors