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SB 315

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

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Caroline Harris Davila and 2 co-sponsors

SB 315 establishes DNA as personal property in Texas, creating civil penalties and criminal liability for unauthorized genetic material collection or use without consent.

Placed on General State Calendar
#attorney'sfees(s0202) #blood&medicaltests(s0470) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #dna(s0100) #healthcareproviders(i0387) #informedconsent(s0057) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #propertyinterests--personalproperty(i0600)
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Bill Summary · SB 315

Legislative bill overview

SB 315 establishes legal property rights in an individual's DNA and creates civil and criminal remedies for unauthorized use or collection of genetic material. The bill provides injunctive relief (court orders to stop violations), civil penalties, and criminal offense classifications for violations of these newly-established DNA property rights.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a significant gap in Texas law regarding genetic privacy and ownership. As DNA collection becomes more common through medical testing, ancestry services, and law enforcement databases, establishing explicit property rights and penalties creates legal recourse for individuals whose genetic information is used without consent.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "unauthorized use" may be unclear—does it apply to DNA already in medical records, research databases, or only future collections?
  • Medical and research implications: Healthcare providers and genetic researchers may face operational challenges if consent requirements are retroactive or overly broad, potentially limiting beneficial research.
  • Enforcement complexity: Determining damages and proving unauthorized use of DNA could be legally complicated, and the bill doesn't specify penalty amounts or criminal sentencing ranges.
  • Law enforcement impact: Police use of DNA databases and familial DNA searches may be restricted or require new protocols, potentially affecting criminal investigations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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