| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
| Relating to postconviction forensic DNA testing. |
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3424 would define "exculpatory results" to include DNA test results that indicate a match between an unidentified DNA profile on the evidence tested and another individual's DNA profile contained in a DNA database or otherwise in the possession of a law enforcement agency. In other words, DNA evidence that does not match the defendant, but matches with another DNA profile in the agency's database, would be considered exculpatory evidence and meet the requirements for a defendant to obtain post-conviction DNA testing.
Texas Action supports HB 3424 by promoting limited government and individual liberty. A proper function of a limited government is a just and well-functioning criminal justice system, and allowing for any exculpatory evidence that can lead to the exoneration of a wrongfully convicted person is essential to such a criminal justice system.