Bill Text: TX HB3957 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Engrossed


Bill Title: Relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program in certain counties.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2023-05-12 - Referred to Criminal Justice [HB3957 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB3957-Engrossed.html
  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.
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