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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program |
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in certain counties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 411, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 411.1465 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 411.1465. RAPID DNA ANALYSIS PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In |
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this section, "rapid DNA analysis" means the fully automated |
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processing of a reference buccal swab sample to provide a DNA record |
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that is eligible for comparison in the CODIS database in not more |
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than 24 hours. |
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(b) The department shall establish a pilot program to |
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optimize the process of reporting DNA records by assisting law |
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enforcement agencies in implementing rapid DNA analysis of DNA |
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samples collected under this subchapter. |
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(c) Beginning September 1, 2023, the pilot program shall |
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operate and assist law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in |
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the following counties: |
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(1) El Paso; |
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(2) Galveston; |
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(3) Montgomery; |
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(4) Tarrant; and |
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(5) Travis. |
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(d) Beginning September 1, 2024, the department shall |
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expand the pilot program to assist law enforcement agencies with |
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jurisdiction in the following counties: |
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(1) Bexar; |
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(2) Collin; |
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(3) Dallas; |
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(4) Harris; and |
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(5) Hidalgo. |
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(e) The department and each law enforcement agency subject |
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to this section may consult with the Federal Bureau of |
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Investigation regarding rapid DNA analysis implementation and best |
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practices. |
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(f) Not later than January 1, 2026, the department shall |
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review the pilot program established under this section and submit |
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a written report to the legislature on the progress made by the |
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pilot program in optimizing the reporting of DNA records and any |
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recommendations regarding the continuation or expansion of the |
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program. |
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(g) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and |
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donations from any public or private source to fund the pilot |
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program. |
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(h) The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement |
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this section. |
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(i) This section expires September 1, 2025. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |