Texas House Panel Considers Rapid DNA Testing at Border
Austin—The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) could soon conduct rapid DNA tests at the Texas-Mexico border to verify familial relationships between adults and children, under a proposed bill discussed by a Texas House panel Monday. House Bill 256, spearheaded by Rep. Terri Leo Wilson (R-Galveston), is part of a broader focus on immigration-related legislation, with eight bills presented to the Texas House State Affairs Committee.
Among other measures, one bill would criminalize the hiring of undocumented migrants, while another seeks to prohibit local governments from using taxpayer funds for legal services in immigration court. Though none of the bills advanced from committee, they may still be sent to the House Calendars committee for future consideration.
Wilson emphasized the bill’s intent to enhance child protection against human trafficking and deter fraudulent claims about familial relationships. The bill mandates that DPS work with the Department of Homeland Security to establish a rapid testing program, guaranteeing the destruction of DNA samples following testing. Concerns were raised about potential financial implications if the federal government fails to cover the costs, particularly as Texas has struggled to receive reimbursements for past border security expenditures.
In addition, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione proposed a bill banning public funds from being used for the legal representation of individuals in immigration court, arguing that taxpayer dollars should support vital public services instead. Critics of the bill expressed worries about undermining due process rights.
Amidst this legislative backdrop, Rep. Eddie Morales introduced a bill to create a bipartisan commission to study the state’s border security laws and their effectiveness, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration issues in Texas. The outcome of these proposals remains uncertain as the legislative session progresses.
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