OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new law set to take effect next month could help process lab results faster in certain criminal cases.

KIRO reports that starting on June 11, SB 5880 will give local governments the option to use private contractors for blood tests in DUI cases. WSP’s toxicology lab has been reporting backlogs in the thousands, which has led to many cases getting dismissed as their statute of limitations expires.

Seattle city officials add that in their district alone, lab results can take nearly two years to complete through WSP’s lab.

The new law, sponsored by 39th District Senator Keith Wagoner, passed the state Legislature by unanimous votes earlier this year. Wagoner is confident that once major cities like Seattle outsource their testing to private labs, the whole state will benefit from quicker analyses through WSP’s lab.