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Bill

HB 2307

Relating to the establishment of a grant program to assist law enforcement agencies in collecting DNA samples from defendants arrested for a felony offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mihaela Pleșa

Texas bill creates law enforcement grant program to fund DNA sample collection from felony arrestees, raising privacy and presumption-of-innocence concerns.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #criminalprocedure--pretrialprocedure(i0203) #dna(s0100) #lawenforcement(i0510) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251)
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Bill Summary · HB 2307

Legislative bill overview

HB 2307 establishes a grant program to provide funding to law enforcement agencies in Texas for collecting DNA samples from individuals arrested for felony offenses. The bill aims to expand DNA collection infrastructure and capabilities across the state's law enforcement system. This would supplement existing DNA collection procedures by offering financial assistance to agencies for equipment, training, and operational costs.

Why is this important

DNA databases are critical criminal investigation tools that help solve cases, exonerate innocent individuals, and identify repeat offenders. Currently, Texas law requires DNA collection from certain convicted offenders, but expanding collection at the arrest stage could improve case resolution rates. However, this also raises significant questions about privacy, scope of government authority, and the treatment of individuals who are arrested but not ultimately convicted.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Collecting DNA from arrested individuals (presumed innocent) raises Fourth Amendment questions about unreasonable searches, particularly if samples are retained even after acquittal or case dismissal
  • Scope and database retention: Whether DNA profiles remain in databases indefinitely, and whether they're used only for serious crimes or expanded to lower-level offenses, affects civil liberties implications
  • Cost and equity: Grant distribution could create disparities in collection practices between well-funded urban agencies and under-resourced rural departments, potentially affecting arrest disparities

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

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