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TX SB315

Bill

Status

Engrossed

3/26/2025

Primary Sponsor

Lois Kolkhorst

Click for details

Origin

Senate

89th Legislature Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes an exclusive property right in an individual's unique DNA, prohibiting collection, testing, retention, alteration, sale, or transfer of DNA samples without informed, written consent from the individual or their legal guardian

  • Exempts DNA samples collected for emergency medical treatment, paternity determination, law enforcement purposes (including criminal investigations and identification of missing or deceased persons), and similar lawful uses

  • Allows research entities to collect and use DNA samples if they obtain informed, written consent meeting federal requirements (45 C.F.R. Section 46.116(b)), but restricts use to only purposes disclosed during the consent process

  • Creates civil penalties up to the amount of profits attributable to the violation, with the attorney general authorized to pursue civil penalties, injunctive relief, and recovery of attorney's fees and court costs

  • Establishes a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense for violations committed with criminal negligence; the law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to DNA samples collected after that date

Legislative Description

Relating to a property right in DNA; providing injunctive relief and a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

Property Interests

Last Action

Placed on General State Calendar

5/27/2025

Committee Referrals

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development4/22/2025
Health & Human Services2/3/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available