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AN ACT
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relating to the retention of certain genetic material and genetic |
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information by the Department of Family and Protective Services. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 40.084 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 40.084. RETENTION OF GENETIC MATERIAL AND GENETIC |
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INFORMATION. (a) In this section: |
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(1) "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid. |
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(2) "Genetic information" means information related |
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to the genetic characteristics of an individual or the individual's |
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family that is derived from the results of a genetic analysis. |
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(3) "Genetic material" means blood or another specimen |
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that contains DNA. |
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(4) "Genetic test" means an analysis of an |
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individual's genetic material to determine paternity. |
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(5) "Testing laboratory" means any entity the |
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department contracts with for the provision of laboratory services, |
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including genetic testing. |
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(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the department and |
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any testing laboratory used by the department shall promptly |
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destroy any genetic material and delete any genetic information |
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obtained from an individual for the purpose of a genetic test after |
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the purpose for which the sample was obtained is accomplished. |
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(c) The department shall retain the results of a genetic |
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test. The results of a genetic test are confidential under Section |
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40.005. |
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SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2026, any testing |
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laboratory used by the Department of Family and Protective Services |
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shall destroy all genetic material and delete genetic information |
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as required by Section 40.084, Human Resources Code, as added by |
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this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 4377 was passed by the House on May |
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10, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 131, Nays 0, 2 present, not |
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voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 4377 was passed by the Senate on May |
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25, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: _____________________ |
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Date |
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_____________________ |
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Governor |