Access To Dna Database Information

Sec. 411.147. ACCESS TO DNA DATABASE INFORMATION. (a) The director by rule shall establish procedures: (1) to prevent unauthorized access to the DNA database; and (2) to release from the DNA database a DNA sample, analysis, record, or other information maintained under this subchapter. (b) The director may adopt rules relating to the internal disclosure, access, or use of a sample or DNA record in a DNA laboratory or authorized law enforcement agency. (c) The director may release a DNA sample, analysis, or record only: (1) to a criminal justice agency for criminal justice or law enforcement identification purposes; (2) for a judicial proceeding, if otherwise admissible under law; (3) for criminal defense purposes to a defendant, if related to the case in which the defendant is charged or released from custody under Article 17.47, Code of Criminal Procedure, or other court order; or (4) for another purpose: (A) described in Section 411.143; or (B) required under federal law as a condition for obtaining federal funding. (d) The director may release a record of the number of requests made for a defendant's individual DNA record and the name of the requesting person. (e) A criminal justice agency may have access to a DNA sample for a law enforcement purpose through: (1) the agency's laboratory; (2) a laboratory used by the agency; or (3) an authorized law enforcement agency. (f) The director shall maintain a record of requests made under this section. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 595, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1224 (H.B. 1068), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 853 (S.B. 1723), Sec. 7, eff. June 20, 2025.