By: Huffman, et al. S.B. No. 1620     (Bonnen)           A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the establishment of the Texas forensic analyst   apprenticeship pilot program.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 72, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter H to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER H.  TEXAS FORENSIC ANALYST APPRENTICESHIP PILOT PROGRAM          Sec. 72.201.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Accredited crime laboratory" means a crime   laboratory, as that term is defined by Article 38.35, Code of   Criminal Procedure, that has been accredited under Article 38.01 of   that code.                (2)  "Commission" means the Texas Forensic Science   Commission.                (3)  "Pilot program" means the Texas forensic analyst   apprenticeship pilot program established under this subchapter.          Sec. 72.202.  TEXAS FORENSIC ANALYST APPRENTICESHIP PILOT   PROGRAM. (a) The office shall establish the Texas forensic analyst   apprenticeship pilot program to increase the forensic science   workforce capacity in this state. The office shall collaborate with   the commission as necessary to administer the pilot program.          (b)  To implement the pilot program, the office shall enter   into contracts with:                (1)  general academic teaching institutions or medical   and dental units, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003,   Education Code, that provide relevant training programs in forensic   disciplines; and                (2)  each publicly funded accredited crime laboratory   that is awarded an apprentice position by the commission under   Section 72.203.          Sec. 72.203.  FORENSIC ANALYST APPRENTICE POSITIONS; RULES.     (a) In consultation with the office, the commission by rule shall   adopt eligibility requirements for:                (1)  individuals who may apply for an apprentice   position under the pilot program; and                (2)  publicly funded accredited crime laboratories   that may apply to sponsor an apprentice under the pilot program.          (b)  In establishing the eligibility requirements under   Subsection (a), the commission shall prioritize the long-term   retention of forensic analysts in accredited crime laboratories in   this state.          (c)  The commission shall award apprentice positions to   individuals and accredited crime laboratories that meet the   eligibility requirements established under Subsection (a). The   commission shall enter into contracts with the laboratories   selected to sponsor apprentices under the pilot program.          (d)  The commission shall consult with the Texas Association   of Crime Lab Directors to determine the current need for forensic   analyst apprentices in each forensic discipline.          Sec. 72.204.  EXPIRATION. This subchapter expires September   1, 2030.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.