AUSTIN — Recently, the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1238 by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa and Senator Joan Huffman relating to the Texas Forensic Science Commission. SB 1238 clarifies and improves the powers and duties of the Texas Forensic Science Commission to ensure that a forensic analysis conducted in this state is based on sound scientific principles and not "junk science."

"The passage of Senate Bill 1238 is a major step forward for the use of forensic science in Texas. The improvements we make under this bill continue to make Texas a national model in the field of Forensic Science," said Senator Hinojosa.

Senate Bill 1238 allows the Texas Forensic Science Commission to investigate and report on the integrity and reliability of a forensic analysis used in Texas, and strengthens the Commission by clarifying the law regarding investigations of accredited and non-accredited crime laboratories.

"By providing the Forensic Science Commission with these additional tools, we can ensure that Texas continues to remain ahead of the curve and set the example for the rest of the nation by making sure that sound forensics are used in our states criminal justice system," Hinojosa added.

SB 1238 will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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