TX SB2177

Creates a grant program administered by the Criminal Justice Division to help local law enforcement agencies improve clearance rates for violent offenses (murder, capital murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery) and sexual offenses (indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault)

Grant funds may be used for hiring, training, and retaining investigators and forensic personnel; acquiring or upgrading evidence collection and forensic testing technology; and upgrading record management systems

Requires grant recipients to submit annual reports on clearance rates (broken down by arrest vs. exception), average time between offense and clearance, and how grant funds were spent

Prohibits governmental entities from reducing funding to law enforcement agencies because they received a grant under this program

Passed the Senate 30-0 on May 12, 2025, and the House 123-12 on May 28, 2025; takes effect immediately with two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025