HB 4714 Texas House · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the testing of evidence for controlled substances by the Department of Public Safety.

This bill requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to test all evidence containing suspected controlled substances (drugs) in criminal cases using approved laboratory methods. It applies only to evidence submitted to DPS on or after September 1, 2025, by state attorneys prosecuting criminal cases. DPS must complete testing within 180 days; if not, they must return the evidence and reimburse the state for independent testing. This affects criminal drug cases by ensuring timely, standardized evidence processing.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 3, 2025 Last action Apr 3, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors