89R13985 RAL-D
By: Villalobos H.B. No. 4377
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting the retention of certain genetic material
and genetic information by the Department of Family and Protective
Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code,
is amended by adding Section 40.084 to read as follows:
Sec. 40.084. RETENTION OF GENETIC INFORMATION PROHIBITED.
(a) In this section:
(1) "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid.
(2) "Genetic information" means information related
to the genetic characteristics of an individual or the individual's
family that is derived from the results of a genetic analysis.
(3) "Genetic material" means blood or another specimen
that contains DNA.
(b) The department shall promptly destroy any genetic
material and delete any genetic information obtained from an
individual for the purpose of determining paternity after the
purpose for which the sample was obtained is accomplished.
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2026, the Department of
Family and Protective Services shall destroy all genetic material
and delete genetic information as required by Section 40.084, Human
Resources Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.