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TX HB4602
Bill
Status
3/12/2025
Primary Sponsor
Ann Johnson
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AI Summary
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Establishes a Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program within the Governor's criminal justice division to fund accredited crime laboratories, medical examiners, and coroners to reduce backlogs of untested forensic evidence and improve testing timeliness
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Grant priority for forensic science funding goes to applicants with the largest backlogs in testing and examinations, with program results reported biennially
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Creates an Interjurisdictional Criminal Investigation Grant Pilot Program to fund law enforcement agencies (municipal police, sheriff's offices, constable's offices) in jurisdictions with populations of 400,000 or more
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Pilot program grants may be used to facilitate cross-jurisdictional investigations, improve information sharing between agencies, and enhance compatibility between law enforcement and prosecutor record management systems
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Pilot program requires a report to the Legislative Budget Board and relevant legislative committees by September 1, 2026, and expires September 1, 2027; bill takes effect September 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Relating to the establishment of grant programs within the criminal justice division of the Office of the Governor to reduce investigatory and criminal case backlogs.
State Finances
Last Action
Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
4/3/2025