The bill amends the Government Code by adding a new Subchapter G, which establishes a framework for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to perform DNA testing on certain individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Specifically, the DPS is required to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Homeland Security to conduct DNA tests, including rapid DNA tests, on individuals who enter Texas by crossing the border and are detained or arrested by Homeland Security. The bill outlines the conditions under which these tests can be performed and mandates that the results be promptly provided to Homeland Security for immigration enforcement purposes.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions that require the destruction of biological samples used for DNA testing after the tests are completed and prohibits the DPS from maintaining a DNA database or entering the results into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The agreement with Homeland Security must include similar provisions regarding the destruction of samples and the prohibition on database maintenance. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the DPS cannot operate the DNA testing program without sufficient funding from Homeland Security. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()