Bill: HB 941, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Corrections

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Ana Hernandez

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of DNA records for the DNA database system.

Fiscal Notes

There is no significant fiscal implication to the State or local units of government anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 941, if passed, would modify the Code of Criminal Procedure (Section 102.020) by affecting the regime surrounding DNA collection. Two notable changes would be introduced by the bill. The first is that the offense of enticing a child is added to the list of offenses which may warrant DNA testing. The second is that a new component is added which states that is a DNA sample was collected for the sole purpose of creating a record, the director may destroy the sample after the results have been entered into the CODIS database.

Vote Recommendation Notes

The motivation behind HB 941 is to ensure that those who entice children would have their DNA added to a relevant database. This is appropriate. As to the second change regarding the possible destruction of DNA samples after they have been entered into the CODIS database, we are ambivalent. Such a change would grant the state more flexibility, and if samples are retained in the Federal Bureau of Investigation database it may not matter if they are held elsewhere. Ultimately though, we are in favor of HB 941.

Organizations Supporting

City of Austin
City of San Antonio

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 03:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb941?print_view=true