The director may not accept DNA records or samples from living individuals unless certain conditions are met, must provide collection materials and training at no cost, and must adopt rules for DNA sample handling.
Sec. 411.146. DNA SAMPLES. (a) The director may not accept a DNA record or DNA sample collected from an individual who at the time of collection is alive, unless the director reasonably believes the sample was submitted voluntarily or as required by this subchapter and is: (1) a blood sample collected in a medically approved manner by: (A) a physician, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, licensed clinical laboratory technologist; or (B) an individual who is trained to properly collect blood samples under this subchapter; or (2) a specimen other than a blood sample collected: (A) in a manner approved by the director by rule adopted under this section; and (B) by an individual who is trained to properly collect the specimen under this subchapter. (b) The director shall provide at no cost to a person collecting a DNA sample as described by Subsection (a) the collection kits, labels, report forms, instructions, and training for collection of DNA samples under this section. (c)(1) The director shall adopt rules regarding the collection, preservation, shipment, and analysis of a DNA database sample under this subchapter, including the type of sample or specimen taken. (2) A criminal justice agency permitted or required to collect a DNA sample for forensic DNA analysis, including rapid DNA analysis, under this subchapter: (A) may collect the sample or contract with a phlebotomist, laboratory, state agency, private entity, or institution of higher education for services to collect the sample at the time determined by the agency; and (B) shall: (i) preserve each sample collected until it is forwarded to the director under Subsection (d); and (ii) maintain a record of the collection of the sample. (c-1) Subject to the other requirements prescribed by this subchapter and rules adopted under this subchapter, a law enforcement agency may perform a rapid DNA analysis under this subchapter if: (1) the agency requests the director's approval to use a system capable of performing a rapid DNA analysis; and (2) the director authorizes the agency to use the system described by Subdivision (1) to perform rapid DNA analyses. (d) A criminal justice agency that collects a DNA sample under this section shall send the sample to: (1) the director at the department's crime laboratory; or (2) another location as required by the director by rule. (e) A DNA laboratory or an authorized law enforcement agency may analyze a DNA sample collected under this section only: (1) to type the genetic markers contained in the sample; (2) for criminal justice or law enforcement purposes; or (3) for other purposes described by this subchapter. (f) If possible, a second DNA sample must be collected from an individual in a criminal investigation if forensic DNA evidence is necessary for use as substantive evidence in the investigation, prosecution, or defense of a case. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 595, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1224 (H.B. 1068), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 853 (S.B. 1723), Sec. 5, eff. June 20, 2025.