89R8237 JDK-F
By: Creighton S.B. No. 1723
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 2 hours without submitting the sample to a crime laboratory.
(b) The department shall establish a pilot program to
optimize the process of reporting DNA records and decrease the
number of arrests for which a DNA sample is not collected and
analyzed by assisting law enforcement agencies in implementing
rapid DNA analysis of DNA samples collected under Section
411.1471(b).
(c) Not later than September 1, 2025, the department shall
begin updating information technology systems as necessary to
support the pilot program.
(d) Not later than September 1, 2026, the department shall
begin implementing the pilot program in two counties as determined
by the department. The department may expand the pilot program to
additional counties.
(e) The department and each law enforcement agency
participating in the pilot program may consult with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation regarding rapid DNA analysis
implementation and best practices.
(f) Not later than January 1, 2028, the department shall
review the pilot program established under this section and submit
a written report to the legislature on the pilot program 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, 2028.
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, 2025.