88R14417 CJD-D
By: Smith H.B. No. 3957
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program
in certain counties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 411, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 411.1465 to read as follows:
Sec. 411.1465. RAPID DNA ANALYSIS PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In
this section, "rapid DNA analysis" means the fully automated
processing of a reference buccal swab sample to provide a DNA record
that is eligible for comparison in the CODIS database in not more
than 24 hours.
(b) The department shall establish a pilot program to
optimize the process of reporting DNA records by assisting law
enforcement agencies in implementing rapid DNA analysis of DNA
samples collected under this subchapter.
(c) Beginning September 1, 2023, the pilot program shall
operate and assist law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in
the following counties:
(1) El Paso;
(2) Galveston;
(3) Montgomery;
(4) Tarrant; and
(5) Travis.
(d) Beginning September 1, 2024, the department shall
expand the pilot program to assist law enforcement agencies with
jurisdiction in the following counties:
(1) Bexar;
(2) Collin;
(3) Dallas;
(4) Harris; and
(5) Hidalgo.
(e) The department and each law enforcement agency subject
to this section may consult with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation regarding rapid DNA analysis implementation and best
practices.
(f) Not later than January 1, 2026, the department shall
review the pilot program established under this section and submit
a written report to the legislature on the progress made by the
pilot program in optimizing the reporting of DNA records and any
recommendations regarding the continuation or expansion of the
program.
(g) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations from any public or private source to fund the pilot
program.
(h) The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement
this section.
(i) This section expires September 1, 2025.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.