Texas House Bill HB4628

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/3/23
• Voted on by House: 5/10/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/22/23
• Governor Action: 6/13/23

Caption

Relating to the duties of law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, and the Department of Public Safety following the performance of certain DNA profile comparisons.

Impact

The bill requires law enforcement agencies to notify survivors of sexual assault cases about relevant DNA matches within specific timeframes, enhancing the transparency and accountability of the processes involved in these sensitive investigations. This legislative action is significant as it not only prioritizes the rights of victims to remain informed but also aims to accelerate the investigative processes related to sexual offenses, with the potential for improving outcomes in prosecuting such cases.

Summary

House Bill 4628, introduced by Representative Goldman, aims to enhance the responsiveness of law enforcement and crime laboratories in relation to DNA profile comparisons. This legislation builds upon the framework established by 'Molly Jane's Law' enacted in 2019, which sought to reform how sexual assault cases are processed and reported. Specifically, HB4628 mandates clear timelines for agencies to act after a DNA match is found in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), ensuring more efficient communication and case management between law enforcement and laboratories.

Sentiment

Support for HB 4628 has been robust, reflecting a general consensus that the bill represents a critical advancement in the treatment of sexual assault cases and the use of DNA evidence. Witnesses provided positive testimony during committee discussions, emphasizing the importance of timely communication for victims, and highlighting the ethical and moral responsibilities of law enforcement to keep survivors engaged throughout the investigative process. There appears to be unified support across legislative lines, indicated by the bill's passage without opposition.

Contention

While the bill received overwhelming support, the implementation of strict timelines could raise some challenges in practice, especially relating to resource constraints within law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories. Critics might raise concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting these deadlines consistently while managing caseloads. However, the overall objective of enhancing survivor communication and expediting criminal investigations has been deemed a necessary evolution in the legislative landscape of Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 420. Sexual Assault Prevention And Crisis Services
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