LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 89TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 25, 2025

TO:
Honorable Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor, Senate
 
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1723 by Creighton (Relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program in certain counties.), As Passed 2nd House


Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1723, As Passed 2nd House: a negative impact of ($6,489,194) through the biennium ending August 31, 2027.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

General Revenue-Related Funds, Five- Year Impact:

Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to
General Revenue Related Funds
2026($3,549,647)
2027($2,939,547)
2028($3,167,549)
2029$0
2030$0

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year Probable Savings/(Cost) from
General Revenue Fund
1

Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2025
2026($3,549,647)6.0
2027($2,939,547)6.0
2028($3,167,549)6.0
2029$00.0
2030$00.0


Fiscal Analysis

The bill would require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish a pilot program to implement rapid analysis of DNA samples in at least two counties. Under the provisions of the bill, DPS would begin updating information technology systems to support the pilot program by September 1, 2025 and begin implementing the pilot program by September 1, 2026. 

The bill would also require DPS to submit a written report to the legislature no later than January 1, 2028, on the progress of the pilot program and recommend continuation or expansion.

The provisions of the bill would expire September 1, 2028.

Methodology

According to DPS, the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could not be absorbed within existing resources. DPS states that 6.0 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) would be needed to staff the unit including 1.0 Forensic Scientist III, 1.0 Forensic Scientist IV, 1.0 Research Specialist IV, 1.0 Network Specialist IV, 1.0 Program Specialist, and 1.0 Project Management Specialist II. This analysis includes $645,249 in fiscal year 2026 and $645,249 in fiscal year 2027 for salary and benefits. 

According to DPS, there would be $2,054,679 in capital expenditures in fiscal year 2026 only for Rapid DNA testing devices, change orders to CODIS and Livescan device software, and other capital equipment. 

Other costs including consumables supplies for DNA testing, travel, fuel, rent, other operating expenses, and would total $849,719 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,294,298 in fiscal year 2027 and $2,521,800 in fiscal year 2028.

Technology

According to DPS, two change orders to information technology systems would be needed to comply with the provisions of the bill including CODIS ($200,000) and Livescan device software ($500,000) in fiscal year 2026 only. 

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
405 Department of Public Safety
LBB Staff:
JMc, MGol, CSh, KVEL