code: def _samples_precheck(self, samples, mystep, force):
          
          subsample = []
          ## filter by state
          for sample in samples:
              if sample.stats.state < mystep - 1:
                  LOGGER.debug("Sample {} not in proper state."\
                               .format(sample.name))
              else:
                  subsample.append(sample)
          return subsample
docs: Return a list of samples that are actually ready for the next step.
              Each step runs this prior to calling run, makes it easier to
              centralize and normalize how each step is checking sample states.
              mystep is the state produced by the current step.