H.B. No. 4377 amends the Human Resources Code by adding Section 40.084, which establishes guidelines for the retention and destruction of genetic material and genetic information by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill defines key terms such as "DNA," "genetic information," "genetic material," "genetic test," and "testing laboratory." It mandates that DFPS and any contracted testing laboratories must promptly destroy genetic material and delete genetic information obtained for genetic testing purposes once those purposes are fulfilled. However, the results of genetic tests must be retained by the department and are classified as confidential under Section 40.005.

Additionally, the bill requires that by January 1, 2026, all testing laboratories used by DFPS must comply with the destruction and deletion requirements outlined in the new section. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()
Senate Committee Report: ()
Enrolled: ()