TX HB5293

Establishes the Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program to increase forensic science workforce capacity in the state, administered by the Office of Court Administration in collaboration with the Texas Forensic Science Commission

Requires contracts with three university partners: the Center for Human Identification at UNT Health Science Center (DNA training), the Institute for Forensic Research at Sam Houston State University (drug chemistry and toxicology training), and Texas A&M University's Department of Statistics (firearms comparison training)

The Texas Forensic Science Commission must adopt eligibility requirements for apprentice applicants and for publicly funded accredited crime laboratories seeking to sponsor apprentices, prioritizing long-term retention of forensic analysts

The Commission must consult with the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors to assess current forensic analyst needs across disciplines and adopt rules for training curricula

The pilot program expires September 1, 2030, with an effective date of September 1, 2025