TX
Texas House Bill HB4714

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4714

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the testing of evidence for controlled substances by the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The legislation aims to improve the efficiency of the judicial process by establishing clear parameters for evidence testing. By requiring the DPS to conduct tests on controlled substances within a defined timeframe, the bill seeks to prevent delays in criminal cases and promote timely justice. The implications of this law could have significant effects on how evidence is handled in the courtroom, potentially reducing backlogs in criminal cases related to drug offenses.

Summary

House Bill 4714 focuses on the processes surrounding the testing of evidence for controlled substances by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The bill mandates that DPS test any evidence submitted by an attorney representing the state, irrespective of the amount of substance or the associated offense. This requirement ensures a consistent approach to evidence testing, which may enhance reliability in criminal proceedings involving controlled substances.

Enactment

If passed, this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to evidence submitted after this date. The change in law emphasizes accountability within law enforcement and aims to address some outdated practices in the management of substances in relation to the criminal justice system.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise around the provisions of the bill related to the reimbursement process for attorneys if tests are delayed beyond 180 days. Critics may argue that this could place an undue burden on the Department of Public Safety and challenge the practicalities of meeting the testing deadlines. Additionally, concerns about the existing capabilities of DPS labs to handle increased testing demands and the potential implications for public safety and resource allocation could be raised in discussions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3354

Relating to the timely testing of evidence for controlled substances and dangerous drugs and the dismissal of certain criminal charges.

TX HB178

Relating to testing possible controlled substance evidence for a controlled substance included in Penalty Group 1-B.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1785

Relating to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB987

Relating to equipment used or intended for use in testing or analyzing a controlled substance.

TX HB1365

Relating to equipment used or intended for use in testing or analyzing a controlled substance.

TX SB623

Relating to equipment used or intended for use in testing or analyzing a controlled substance.

TX HB939

Relating to the penalty for certain offenders for possession of a small amount of certain controlled substances.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB61

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.