S.B. No. 1372 amends Section 411.164 of the Government Code to clarify the access rights to the crime laboratory portal for defense counsel in criminal proceedings. The bill specifies that the attorney representing the state must designate the defendant's attorney as the individual authorized to access and use the crime laboratory portal to request any relevant crime laboratory records that are subject to discovery under Article 39.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Notably, the bill removes the previous requirement for the designation to include the defendant, streamlining the process for defense counsel.

The changes introduced by this Act will only apply to criminal proceedings that commence on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any criminal proceedings that begin before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulations without retroactive implications.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.164 (Government Code 411)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.164 (Government Code 411)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.164 (Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.164 (Government Code 411)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.164 (Government Code 411)