TX SB1937

Requires nuclear DNA testing (rather than general DNA testing) on biological evidence in capital cases where the state seeks the death penalty, to be performed by the Department of Public Safety or an accredited laboratory

Adds a subject matter expert from the testing laboratory to the mandatory meet-and-confer process between the state and defendant to determine which biological materials must be tested

Requires the testing laboratory to receive written notice of any court hearing held to resolve disputes about which materials qualify as biological evidence requiring testing

Mandates that if biological evidence is destroyed or lost during nuclear DNA testing, the laboratory must provide the defendant with all bench notes and test results

Applies to capital cases with indictments filed on or after September 1, 2025; cases with earlier indictments remain under prior law