Bill would expand oversight of state DNA labs

The Texas Forensic Science Commission would gain authority to audit DNA labs around the state if SB 1909 by Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa becomes law. The bill will be heard today in the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Audits would include periodic, unannounced on-site inspections and off-site retesting of one or more samples from each laboratory. Audit reports would be made public only after the DNA lab had 30 days to correct any deficiencies and auditors have an opportunity to perform a subsequent evaluation which might