Bill > SB1660

This bill modifies the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the retention and preservation of toxicological evidence in criminal cases, specifically focusing on intoxication offenses. Under the new provisions, crime laboratories must now annually notify the county prosecutor's office about toxicological evidence they possess, including the date they received the evidence. The bill also updates notification requirements, specifying that notices can be delivered by hand, email, or first-class mail. Additionally, the bill allows prosecutor's offices to require written approval before destroying toxicological evidence and introduces a new 90-day timeline: if a prosecutor's office does not respond to a destruction request within 90 days, the storing entity may proceed with destroying the evidence once its mandated retention period has expired. The changes will apply only to evidence with retention periods expiring on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring a clear transition for existing evidence. These modifications aim to improve communication and management of forensic evidence between crime laboratories and prosecutors.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1660