Bill > HB945

This bill modifies the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to expand the authority of who can issue a search warrant for collecting a blood specimen from individuals arrested for specific intoxication-related criminal offenses. Currently, only licensed attorneys who serve as magistrates can issue such warrants, but the bill now allows justices of the peace to also issue these warrants. The warrants can be issued when a person is arrested for certain intoxication offenses (specifically Penal Code Sections 49.04, 49.045, 49.05, 49.06, 49.061, 49.065, 49.07, or 49.08) and refuses to voluntarily submit to a breath or blood alcohol test. The legislation is designed to provide law enforcement with more flexibility in obtaining blood specimens for alcohol testing during DWI (driving while intoxicated) investigations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, which gives agencies time to prepare for the new procedure.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB945