Principle Criteria
Free Enterprise
Property Rights
Personal Responsibility
Limited Government
Individual Liberty
Digest
HB 256 establishes a rapid DNA testing program managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program targets individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border who are detained or arrested by DHS and are suspected of misrepresenting family relationships. The rapid DNA test involves buccal swabs and is designed to generate profiles without human intervention. Under this bill, DPS must destroy the biological samples after testing and is prohibited from creating or maintaining a DNA profile database. The agreement with DHS must enforce these provisions. This Act takes effect on September 1, 2025.
Contact the Author
Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0502
Capitol Office:
EXT E2.810
E-Mail:
