Texas Senate Bill SB743

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/23/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by House: 5/20/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the time allowed for execution of a search warrant issued to obtain a specimen for DNA analysis.

Impact

The bill's approval is expected to have a substantial impact on criminal investigations involving DNA evidence. By extending the execution window for specific search warrants, law enforcement agencies will have increased flexibility and time to collect evidence without the pressure of a tighter deadline. This change may enhance the capacity for collecting accurate and comprehensive forensic evidence, thereby potentially leading to more conclusive investigations and support for prosecutions in criminal cases.

Summary

SB743 is an act that modifies the time frame allowed for executing a search warrant specifically issued for the purpose of obtaining items or specimens for DNA analysis. Under the previous regulations, the execution of such warrants was restricted to a duration of three whole days. SB743 extends this time frame significantly to twenty whole days for warrants that are solely aimed at obtaining evidentiary items for DNA analysis, such as blood or saliva samples. This is a notable shift intended to facilitate more effective law enforcement practices and to potentially improve the ability of criminal investigations to gather vital DNA evidence.

Contention

During discussions related to SB743, some concerns were raised about the implications of extending warrant execution times. Critics argue that longer durations could lead to complications in evidence handling and storage as it may increase the risk of contamination or mishandling of specimens. Additionally, there were discussions on how this change aligns with existing laws and if the adjustment favors law enforcement unduly at the expense of civil liberties. However, proponents of the bill maintain that the adjustments are necessary for advancing forensic science utilization in criminal justice.