H.B. No. 4377         AN ACT   relating to the retention of certain genetic material and genetic   information by the Department of Family and Protective Services.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code,   is amended by adding Section 40.084 to read as follows:          Sec. 40.084.  RETENTION OF GENETIC MATERIAL AND GENETIC   INFORMATION. (a) In this section:                (1)  "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid.                (2)  "Genetic information" means information related   to the genetic characteristics of an individual or the individual's   family that is derived from the results of a genetic analysis.                (3)  "Genetic material" means blood or another specimen   that contains DNA.                (4)  "Genetic test" means an analysis of an   individual's genetic material to determine paternity.                (5)  "Testing laboratory" means any entity the   department contracts with for the provision of laboratory services,   including genetic testing.          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the department and   any testing laboratory used by the department shall promptly   destroy any genetic material and delete any genetic information   obtained from an individual for the purpose of a genetic test after   the purpose for which the sample was obtained is accomplished.          (c)  The department shall retain the results of a genetic   test.  The results of a genetic test are confidential under Section   40.005.          SECTION 2.  Not later than January 1, 2026, any testing   laboratory used by the Department of Family and Protective Services   shall destroy all genetic material and delete genetic information   as required by Section 40.084, Human Resources Code, as added by   this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 4377 was passed by the House on May   10, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 131, Nays 0, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 4377 was passed by the Senate on May   25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor