Texas Launches Limited Consent DNA Testing Program for Sexual Assault Survivors

New law allows survivors to get evidence collected and tested without immediately involving law enforcement.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Crime Laboratory Division has implemented the state's new Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program, which allows sexual assault survivors to obtain a forensic medical exam and have evidence collected and tested for foreign DNA material, free of charge, even if a report has not been made to law enforcement. The program, created under HB 1422, marks a significant step forward for survivor-centered justice in Texas.

Why it matters

Previously, sexual assault survivors would have had to involve law enforcement in order to have DNA evidence tested. The new Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program removes this requirement, giving survivors more control over the process and reducing a major barrier to seeking help.

The details

Under the new program, only evidence collected on or after December 1, 2025, is eligible. DPS' Crime Laboratory Division has been preparing for the rollout, including making software enhancements, ensuring compliance with standards, developing consent forms, and partnering with advocacy groups to educate medical professionals and victims' advocates.

  • The Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program began on December 1, 2025.
  • The first kit under this new program was collected last week.

The players

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Laboratory Division

The division that oversees the implementation of the Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program.

Senator Joan Huffman

The senator who stated that the new program removes a major barrier for sexual assault survivors and marks a historic step forward for survivor-centered justice in Texas.

Representative Lacey Hull

The representative who authored the law to provide an alternative testing option for survivors, with the hope of empowering them to make reports and increase prosecutions of sexual assaults.

Brady Mills

The DPS Crime Laboratory Division Chief who said the personnel have demonstrated their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault.

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What they’re saying

“House Bill 1422 removes one of the biggest barriers sexual assault survivors face when deciding whether to seek help: the fear that getting a forensic exam means they must immediately involve law enforcement.”

— Senator Joan Huffman (myparistexas.com)

“I am proud to have authored this law to provide another option for survivors to have evidence kits tested. We know that making a report to law enforcement is a tremendously difficult decision. It is my hope that by providing an alternative testing option, we will empower survivors to subsequently make reports, and ultimately increase prosecutions of sexual assaults.”

— Representative Lacey Hull (myparistexas.com)

“For months, DPS Crime Laboratory Division personnel have been committed to preparing for the roll-out of Texas' new Limited Consent DNA Testing Program. It has taken a tremendous amount of time and dedication to get to this point, but our personnel have demonstrated – and continue to show – their steadfast commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault.”

— Brady Mills, DPS Crime Laboratory Division Chief (myparistexas.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new program in Texas represents a significant step forward in providing survivors of sexual assault with more control and options when it comes to collecting and testing DNA evidence, without the immediate requirement of involving law enforcement. It is a survivor-centered approach aimed at increasing reporting and prosecutions of these crimes.