BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 298
	By: Hinojosa
	Finance
	5/25/2017
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 2015, the legislature required the Texas Forensic Science Commission (FSC) to establish a process for licensing forensic analysts. By January 1, 2019, a person practicing in a forensic discipline subject to accreditation by Texas law may not act as a forensic analyst unless they hold a license.

FSC is responsible for successfully licensing forensic analysts, supporting the licensing advisory board, and ensuring the efficient implementation of the program.

S.B. 298 creates a general revenue-dedicated account so that the licensing fee revenue is dedicated to FSC for the implementation of licensing as required by statute.

S.B. 298 amends current law relating to the creation and funding of the Texas Forensic Science Commission operating account.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding Section 13, as follows:

Sec. 13. TEXAS FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMISSION OPERATING ACCOUNT. Provides that the Texas Forensic Science Commission (FSC) operating account is an account in the general revenue fund. Requires FSC to deposit fees collected under Section 4-a (Forensic Analyst Licensing) for the issuance or renewal of a forensic analyst license to the credit of the account. Authorizes money in the account to be appropriated only to FSC for the administration and enforcement of this article.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.