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Texas · 89th Legislature Regular Session
HB256Relating to the Department of Public Safety performing DNA testing of certain individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border and restrictions on the use of the results of those tests.
Direction
Immigration enforcementstate federal cooperationAI label
Requires DPS to test DNA of certain border crossers (suspected of faking family ties) and share results with DHS specifically for federal immigration enforcement, expanding state role in immigration enforcement.
The Department of Public Safety shall enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Homeland Security on request to establish a program for: (1) performing DNA tests, including rapid DNA tests, of individuals who: (A) enter into this state by crossing the Texas-Mexico border; (B) are detained or arrested by the Department of Homeland Security; and (C) the Department of Homeland Security has reason to believe are misrepresenting the existence of a parent-child relationship between the individual and one or more other individuals detained or arrested by the Department of Homeland
Authorizes and funds state DNA testing of migrants detained by federal authorities at the border to aid in verifying family relationships for immigration enforcement purposes.
performing DNA tests, including rapid DNA tests, of individuals who: (A) enter into this state by crossing the Texas-Mexico border; (B) are detained or arrested by the Department of Homeland Security;
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Filed (completed)
Committee
Passed one chamber
Passed both
Governor
Law
Status: Died (session ended)
Last action
2025-05-12: Committee report sent to Calendars
Filed
2024-11-12
Sponsor
Terri Leo-Wilson R, Ryan Guillen R, John Lujan R, Eddie Morales D, Armando Martinez D + 7 cosponsors (7 R)
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill directs the Texas DPS to partner with federal DHS to conduct rapid DNA testing on certain individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border who are suspected of misrepresenting family relationships, and to share those results for use in federal immigration enforcement. This expands state-federal cooperation and state involvement in immigration enforcement at the border. The provisions on destroying samples, not entering data into CODIS, and requiring federal funding do not change the core enforcement-expansion effect and do not trigger other listed topics.
Related bills
HB123Relating to the repeal of laws requiring agreements between certain sheriffs and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to en↓Restricts immigration enforcement Filed
HB137Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state and local contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the le↑Expands immigration enforcement↑Expands immigration enforcement Filed
HB156Relating to the eligibility of a service member or veteran of the United States armed forces to participate in a veterans treatment court pr↓Restricts immigration enforcement↓Restricts immigration enforcement Filed
HB392Relating to an exception from requirements to assist or cooperate with federal immigration officers for matters regarding activities that oc↓Restricts immigration enforcement↓Restricts immigration enforcement Filed
Hearings and calendar
2025-04-28 08:00 · Hearing · House State Affairs Committee Hearing JHR 120