Texas unveils a groundbreaking program allowing sexual assault survivors to test DNA evidence free of charge.
SAN ANTONIO — A new statewide program is giving sexual assault survivors the ability to collect and test DNA evidence without having to file a police report, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas DPS officially implemented the state’s new “Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program” for sexual assault survivors, which went into effect on Dec. 1, 2025.
The program, which was created under House Bill 1422, allows survivors of sexual assault to get a forensic medical exam and have evidence collected and tested, free of charge – even if a report has not been made to police. Previously, sexual assault survivors would have to get law enforcement involved in order to have DNA evidence tested, but HB 1422 eliminates that requirement.
“House Bill 1422 removes one of the biggest barriers sexual assault survivors face when deciding whether to seek help: the fear that getting a forensic exam means they must immediately involve law enforcement,” Senator Joan Huffman said in the press release. “With the Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program now in place, survivors can take back some control, get critical evidence collected and tested at no cost, and decide later – on their own timeline – whether to move forward with a police report. The implementation of this program marks a historic step forward for survivor-centered justice in Texas.”
According to the press release, all the program kits will be processed within 90 days of their receipt at DPS’ Crime Laboratory in Houston. Survivors will also be able to track the status and results of their kits through Texas’ statewide tracking system, Track-Kit thanks to funding from the Governor’s Public Safety Office.
“I am proud to have authored this law to provide another option for survivors to have evidence kits tested,” Representative Lacey Hull said in the press release. “We know that making a report to law enforcement is a tremendously difficult decision. It is my hope that by providing an alternative testing option, we will empower survivors to subsequently make reports, and ultimately increase prosecutions of sexual assaults. Thank you to Senator Huffman for sponsoring this bill, and DPS for moving quickly to implement it.”
Officials said DPS’ Crime Laboratory Division has been laying the groundwork for the rollout of the agency’s “Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program,” including: enhancing the Track-Kit system, making sure the program is in compliance with ANSI National Accreditation Board standards, collaborating with sexual assault advocacy groups to develop consent and release forms, developing new DNA testing workflow, raising awareness about the program and updating the DPS Crime Laboratory website and Customer Handbook.
For more about DPS’ Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program, CLICK HERE.