Vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the Texas Forensic Science Commission to review and refer certain cases to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs.

Highlights:

• Prohibits individuals licensed under Chapter 1603 of the Occupations Code from (Sec. 551.003, Sec. 1603.2110(a)):

• Making an incision into the dermis layer of the skin; or 

• Using a device defined in Section 551.003 of the Occupations Code, as an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, that is required under federal or state law to be ordered or prescribed by a practitioner.

• Authorizes licensees to perform the above actions only if they are separately licensed or legally authorized (Sec. 1603.2110(b)).

• Specifies that in disciplinary action, the license holder has the burden of proving legal authorization to perform the act (Sec. 1603.2110(b)).

• Specifies that this section does not diminish the authority of another state agency from enforcing any law relating to that profession (Sec. 1603.2110(c)).

• Establishes effective date on September 1, 2025 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text