The bill, H.B. No. 256, proposes the establishment of a rapid DNA testing program by the Texas Department of Public Safety for individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border. It introduces a new subchapter to Chapter 421 of the Government Code, which includes definitions for "DNA" and "Rapid DNA test." The program aims to perform rapid DNA tests on individuals who enter Texas, are detained or arrested by the Department of Homeland Security, and are suspected of misrepresenting familial relationships. The results of these tests would be promptly provided to the Department of Homeland Security for enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any biological samples used for the rapid DNA tests must be destroyed after testing, and it prohibits the Department of Public Safety from maintaining a database of DNA profiles generated from these tests. The agreement between the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Homeland Security must include provisions ensuring the destruction of biological samples and the prohibition of a DNA profile database. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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