Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Forensic Science Board intends to consider amending 6VAC40-30, Regulations for the Approval of Field Tests for Detection of Drugs. The purpose of the proposed action is to broaden the regulations by amending the definitions of "field test" and "field test kit" to include presumptive mobile instruments, which are instruments that can test through clear plastic and glass packaging so that officers could field test potentially lethal compounds without having to handle them directly, reducing the risk of exposure. Proposed amendments are considered to establish a separate evaluation process for presumptive mobile instruments, a separate set of requirements for maintenance of approved status for presumptive mobile instruments, and a separate fee schedule for approval of presumptive mobile instruments.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 9.1-1110 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 25, 2018.

Agency Contact: Amy M. Curtis, Department Counsel, Department of Forensic Science, 700 North 5th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-6848, FAX (804) 786-6857, or email amy.curtis@dfs.virginia.gov.