87R954 KJE-F
 
  By: Thompson of Harris H.B. No. 217
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to postconviction forensic DNA testing.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article 64.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsection (c) to
  read as follows:
         (a-1)  In this article, the term "exculpatory results"
  includes DNA test results that indicate a match, pursuant to a
  comparison procedure conducted by a laboratory described by
  Subsection (c), between an unidentified DNA profile on the evidence
  tested and another individual's DNA profile contained in a DNA
  database described by Article 64.035 or otherwise in the possession
  of a law enforcement agency.
         (c)  If the convicting court finds in the affirmative the
  issues listed in Subsection (a)(1) and the convicted person meets
  the requirements of Subsection (a)(2), the court shall order that
  the requested forensic DNA testing be conducted.  The court may
  order the test to be conducted by:
               (1)  a laboratory of the Department of Public Safety;
               (2)  a laboratory operating under a contract with the
  department; or
               (3)  on the request of the convicted person, another
  laboratory if that laboratory is accredited under Article 38.01.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies to a
  motion for forensic DNA testing filed on or after the effective date
  of this Act. A motion for forensic DNA testing filed before the
  effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
  date the motion was filed, and the former law is continued in effect
  for that purpose.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.