88R14417 CJD-D     By: Smith H.B. No. 3957       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program   in certain counties.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter G, Chapter 411, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 411.1465 to read as follows:          Sec. 411.1465.  RAPID DNA ANALYSIS PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In   this section, "rapid DNA analysis" means the fully automated   processing of a reference buccal swab sample to provide a DNA record   that is eligible for comparison in the CODIS database in not more   than 24 hours.          (b)  The department shall establish a pilot program to   optimize the process of reporting DNA records by assisting law   enforcement agencies in implementing rapid DNA analysis of DNA   samples collected under this subchapter.          (c)  Beginning September 1, 2023, the pilot program shall   operate and assist law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in   the following counties:                (1)  El Paso;                (2)  Galveston;                (3)  Montgomery;                (4)  Tarrant; and                (5)  Travis.          (d)  Beginning September 1, 2024, the department shall   expand the pilot program to assist law enforcement agencies with   jurisdiction in the following counties:                (1)  Bexar;                (2)  Collin;                (3)  Dallas;                (4)  Harris; and                (5)  Hidalgo.          (e)  The department and each law enforcement agency subject   to this section may consult with the Federal Bureau of   Investigation regarding rapid DNA analysis implementation and best   practices.          (f)  Not later than January 1, 2026, the department shall   review the pilot program established under this section and submit   a written report to the legislature on the progress made by the   pilot program in optimizing the reporting of DNA records and any   recommendations regarding the continuation or expansion of the   program.          (g)  The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and   donations from any public or private source to fund the pilot   program.          (h)  The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement   this section.          (i)  This section expires September 1, 2025.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2023.